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www.jewishnewsva.org Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 53 No. 10 | 5 Shevet 5775 | January 26, 2015

France’s 12 Community hears Ira Forman on Jewish community anti-Semitism threatened —page 6

28

Dana Cohen Day at Indian Lakes High School

31

A Hebrew Academy of Tidewater story

Silence Won’t Repair the World 3 Mazel Mazel Mazel

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become silent about things that matter.” QR code generated on http://qrcode.littleidiot.be Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 —Martin Luther , Jr. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757.965.6100 • fax 757.965.6102 he past few weeks have seen The pages of this edition of the Jewish Please send us an email at email news@ujft org. www jewishVA. org. people rise up to protest the News are filled with articles addressing the SilenceWon’[email protected] killings in and all that issue of the recent events in France and or post on our Facebook page www. Terri Denison, Editor they portend for civilization. what we must do to combat the current facebook.com/UJFTidewater. Create Germaine Clair, Art Director ThereT seemingly was no doubt that people anti-Semitic climate. a post on your own Facebook page or Hal Sacks, Book Review Editor Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive understood that what occurred was repre- twitter account and use the hashtag, Mark Hecht, Account Executive hensible and a frighteningly fundamental Silence won’t repair the world. #SilenceWon’tRepairTheWorld. Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager attack on freedom and on humanity. Tell us what you can do. Last week was the 70th anniversary of Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus Sherri Wisoff, Proofreader There is certainty that as a Jewish people Tell us what we can do. the liberation of Auschwitz. Many events we can take comfort in the demonstrations he UJFT Community Relations Council took place to commemorate the milestone. United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and in the statements of the leaders of Thas dedicated a significant portion of its In these uncertain times, I think that Miles Leon, President France, and England regarding energy to developing resources and activ- we can take heed from the words of the Stephanie Calliott, Secretary Harry Graber, Executive Vice-President their commitment to fight anti-Semitism in ities that one can research and undertake director of the Auschwitz Memorial and their own countries. to combat anti-Semitism in its raw form, as Museum, Piotr Cywinski: The appearance of advertising in the It is clear that for a period of time, as well as in its new format, the destruction “We throw accusations against people Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, Ira Forman, U.S. State Department Special of . Please go to http://jewishva.org/ who were bystanders, who did nothing at political, product or service endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not Envoy to Monitor and Combat anti-Sem- anti-semitism to see all that is available. the time, and then how do we look in light necessarily the opinion of this newspaper. itism has stated, “Anti-Semitism has now We want our community to tell us of that period?” he asks. “When we look © 2015 Jewish News. All rights reserved. become a human rights issue.” what we can do and want us to do. Each at genocide or tragedy or famine or total- Still, the question remains for how long individual has the opportunity to not only itarian regimes we know how it ends, we Subscription: $18 year and under what circumstances? Will cyn- be well informed, but to take action. We know what the outcome is for the victims, For subscription or change of address, icism and history dictate that the outright want you to share your ideas and we want because Europe went through that history call 757-965-6128 or JewishNewsVA email mcerase@ujft org. . murder of must coincide with the mur- you to talk about this with your friends. No 70 years ago” der of other citizens of Europe by terrorists idea or suggestion for action is too small for Send us your ideas, talk with your Upcoming Deadlines for in order to sustain sympathy and outrage? consideration and inspiration. We will take friends and most of all remain vigilant, Editorial and Advertising We have no choice. We must fight this the best ideas to combat anti-Semitism and informed and take action. February 9 Winter Options January 23 front as Jews because we know what it all incorporate them into our programming. February 23 Retirement February 6 looks like much sooner than others, and We will also publicize them through all March 9 Camp February 20 we know what will happen to the others. of our communication vehicles so that all March 23 Passover March 6 April 6 Home March 20 In the words of Elie Weisel, “Because of members of the community can see what Harry Graber April 20 Health Care April 3 indifference one actually dies before one they can do. Executive Vice President actually dies.” United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

Photograph of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Grand of Paris contents by Haim Zach / GPO/FLASH90 quotable candle lighting Up Front...... 3 Book Reviews...... 29 Friday, January 30/Shevet 10 Briefs...... 4 Simon Family JCC Seniors and Book clubs . 30 “Until we find out more, I am Light candles at 5:02 pm Torah Thought...... 5 Temple Israel’s derby...... 30 planning my next trip to Israel. Friday, February 6/Shevet 17 Mayim Bialik on the Paris attacks...... 6 One more year at HAT...... 31 Light candles at 5:17 pm French Jewry 101...... 8 JNF Fellow Julia Laibstain...... 31 Because “Je Suis Juif” —I am Friday, February 13/Shevet 24 France’s wake-up call...... 10 What’s Happening ...... 32 a Jew—and although I am afraid, Light candles at 5:24 pm Ira Forman on anti-Semitism ...... 12 Calendar...... 34 Friday, February 20/Adar 1 Thwarting attacks in America...... 14 Mazel Tov...... 35 I am undeniably resilient.” Light candles at 5:31 pm Mazel Tov special section ...... 15 Sundance’s Jewish fare...... 35 Friday, February 27/Adar 8 —page 6 UJFT plans trip to Argentina...... 27 Obituaries...... 36 Light candles at 5:38 pm Dana Cohen Day JFS’s Chanukah Gift Program...... 38 Friday, March 6/Adar 15 at Indian River High School...... 28 Light candles at 5:38 pm

jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 3 briefs

Ad campaign on San Francisco The Israeli film Aya, in which a young asking her not to mention pigs or pork The winner of two Academy Awards, buses likens Islam to Nazism Israeli woman poses as a driver to pick up a products in her book. four Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy The anti-Islam group led by Pamela Geller Danish businessman at Ben Gurion Airport, Representatives of the Jewish and Award, Douglas serves as a United Nations is running advertisements on San Francisco was nominated for best live action short. Muslim communities told the British media Messenger of Peace, focusing on human public buses comparing the religion to The Imitation Game won nods for best that the ban was unnecessary. (JTA) rights, gun violence prevention and nuclear Nazism. picture and for Jewish screenwriter Graham anti-proliferation work. The ads, sponsored by the American Moore. Veteran composer Hans Zimmer Actor Michael Douglas awarded The first , an annual Freedom Defense Initiative, features photos was nominated for his original score in the $1 million Genesis Prize award, was given to Michael Bloomberg, of Adolf Hitler and 20th-century Palestinian film Interstellar. Actor and peace activist Michael Douglas the billionaire businessman and former Muslim leader Haj Amin al-Husseini, who Birdman, starring Michael Keaton, also is the recipient of the 2015 Genesis Prize. mayor of New York. It is meant to rec- opposed Zionism, with the caption “Islamic received nine nominations, including for The decision was announced ognize an accomplished, internationally Jew-Hatred: It’s In The Quran.” best picture and best actor. (JTA) Wednesday, Jan. 14 by the Genesis Prize renowned professional who is a role model The 50 ads appeared this month on the Foundation. The $1 million prize will be in his or her community and whose actions buses following the Jan. 7 attack by Islamic may seize Hitler’s awarded in by Jewish Agency and achievements express a commitment extremists on the satirical childhood home Chairman Natan Sharansky and the prime to Jewish values, the Jewish community magazine in Paris that left 12 dead. The Austrian government is looking into minister of Israel on June 18. and Israel, and who can inspire the young- Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the expropriating Adolf Hitler’s childhood Douglas said he plans to use the prize er generation of Jews worldwide. Council on American-Islamic Relations, home. money for promoting activities designed The foundation was endowed by the told that his group has countered Trying to ensure the house is not to raise awareness of inclusiveness and Genesis Philanthropy Group, a consortium past efforts by Geller to place anti-Islam turned into a neo-Nazi shrine, the Interior diversity in Judaism, according to the prize of wealthy philanthropists and business- messages on public buses, but would not Ministry may seize the home if its owner foundation. men from the former that do so this time. refuses to sell it to the government, The “I share this award with my family, who includes , Pyotr Aven and Inflammatory ads sponsored by the reported. The owner, who encouraged me in my exploration of the . (JTA) American Freedom Defense Initiative have has not publicly been identified, reportedly Jewish faith,” Douglas said. “I hope these appeared in New York and Washington. has turned down past offers to sell. teachings and values will be part of the leg- Major increase in Islamist The San Francisco Municipal The ministry has rented the home in acy in the world that I leave for my children threats against Swedish Jews Transportation Agency in a statement cited the German border town of Braunau for and those who follow.” The Swedish Jewish community reported the First Amendment protection of free- several years and sublet it to charitable Douglas, 70, was not raised Jewish. His a significant increase in threats following dom of speech, “including speech that is organizations. The house, which draws father, the actor Kirk Douglas, is Jewish, terrorist attacks by Islamists in France. considered offensive,” in explaining why neo-Nazi visitors, has stood empty for the but his mother is Anglican. Lena Posner-Korosi, the president of the it allowed the ads to be placed. It also said past three years after the owner refused to In recent years, however, Douglas has Council of Swedish Jewish Communities, it did not want to use taxpayer dollars to authorize needed renovations, AP reported. embraced the Jewish faith and said he estimated that the number of threats have defend itself against a lawsuit. (JTA) The building is listed as a historical considers himself a Reform Jew. Last year doubled following the murder of four peo- landmark and cannot be razed. (JTA) he took his son, Dylan, to Jerusalem for his ple Jan. 9 at a kosher shop outside Paris. The Grand Budapest Hotel bar mitzvah. Because he never converted, Posner-Korosi said the community does leads Oscar nominations Oxford University Press Douglas is not considered Jewish accord- not have exact figures, but most of the The Grand Budapest Hotel, a film inspired bans references to pigs ing to Conservative or , threats have been identified as coming by the writing of Austrian-Jewish novelist in sensitivity effort where patrilineal descent is insufficient to from Islamists. Stephan Zweig, led the Oscar nominations Oxford University Press has banned refer- qualify one as Jewish. Sweden’s National Council for Crime with nine, including for best picture and ences to pigs and pork in its publications in “It is an unconventional choice,” said Prevention recorded 190 anti-Semitic inci- best director. order to avoid offending Jews and Muslims. Stan Polovets, co-founder and chairman of dents in 2013, of which 61 were classified The Academy Awards nominations “Many of the educational materials we the Genesis Prize Foundation, according to as threats or insults. were announced Thursday, Jan. 15 in Los publish in the UK are sold in more than the . “We are under threat and we have not Angeles by the Academy of Motion Picture 150 countries, and as such they need to Polovets said Douglas was chosen for seen the end,” Posner-Korosi wrote in an Arts and Sciences. consider a range of cultural differences and “his professional achievements and for his email. “It seems to be the beginning of ter- Other nominees include Ida, a Polish sensitivities,” a spokesman for Oxford, the passion for his Jewish heritage and the ror around Europe for the coming months.” movie about a Catholic nun who learns largest university press in the world, told Jewish state.” Swedish police have beefed up secu- she is the daughter of Jews killed during the British media. He added, “The Douglas family’s expe- rity around Jewish institutions and other the Holocaust, for best foreign-language Eating pork is forbidden in Islam and rience of connecting with its heritage and potential targets, Posner-Korosi added. film. Argentina’s entry in the category is Judaism. embracing it on their own terms embodies Some 20,000 Jews live in Sweden. Wild Tales, which was directed by Damian The policy came to light on the show an inclusive approach for Jews of diverse The Jewish community of neighboring Szifron, who is Jewish, and features a Today on the BBC’s Radio 4 station in the backgrounds. This is particularly import- Denmark demanded an increase in securi- Jewish wedding. wake of the Islamist extremist attacks on ant today, when the question of what it ty around its institutions. (JTA) Ida also earned a nomination for best Paris. The show read a letter on the air sent means to be Jewish has become more cinematography. by the Oxford University Press to an author pressing than ever.”

4 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org Torah Thought French Jews, in Biblical perspective

reports of the exodus of French Jewry from erased even by Ten Plagues, divine signs is upon us. This is not the time to retreat France. In 2014, 7,000 of our brethren and wonders. God knew that, and hence to the “business as usual” mindset that made . As of now, 10,000 are expect- kept the newborn nation out of harm’s the luxury of American life sometimes ed to leave this year, but I would not be way—until Pharaoh changed his mind and affords us. In terms of Israel, we need surprised if the number grows still higher, went charging after the former slaves. That to recognize that its needs are critical, because fear has become the dominant triggered renewed fear and despair—“were too. A double myriad of French olim will reality there. Paris were half there not enough graves in Egypt, that you help sustain the Jewish character of Israel empty on the Shabbat of Jan. 11, right after took us out here, to die in the desert!?”— demographically and socio-economically. “Now, when Pharaoh let the people go, God the attack on the kosher supermarket. until the crowning miracle, the crossing Will American Jewry, the largest reservoir did not guide them by the road towards the For the first time since World War II, of the Reed Sea, gave the Israelites faith in of Jewish strength outside of Israel, do Philistines, although that was the shortest; the Great Synagogue of Paris was closed God and in God’s servant, Moses. its part? Pharaoh’s latest commandos, the for He said, ‘The people may change their throughout Shabbat. Many kosher delis The Jews of France are not overreacting. newest iteration of those who seek to bathe minds when they see war before them, and and restaurants in the city’s Jewish quarter Their fear is well founded. But there is one in Jewish blood, make the question ines- turn back to Egypt.’ So God made them go remained closed for days, and those that crucial difference between their experience capable and urgent. round by way of the wilderness…” Exodus opened had only a fraction of their normal and that of our ancestors. For the Jews of Adonay ’oz l’amo yitten; Adonai y’varekh et 13:17-18 volume. today, Israel is already a Jewish state. The amo va-shalom This week, we read the saga of the The Israelites left Egypt in triumph, latter-day “Philistines” are a thorn in the side May the LORD grant strength to His Exodus of our ancestors from Egypt and “with a high hand,” as the Bible expresses of Israel, but Jewish sovereignty is a reality. people; May the LORD bless His people the beginning of their trek to Israel, the it. But underneath the relief and bravado Our task is two-fold. In terms of Jewish with peace. Promised Land. was a pervasive sense of fear. The national life in the Diaspora, we must fight the — Michael Panitz, Temple Israel Also this week, we are reading news trauma of slavery was formative, not to be steady erosion of Jewish security. A crisis

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jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 5 Mayim Bialik’s reflections on the Paris attacks

by Mayim Bialik perpetrated by cowards who (KVELLER/JTA)—I grew up in a public hide behind school that had enough Jewish kids that I the peaceful felt represented. I went to Hebrew school religion of Over one million people gather at Republique square in Paris, France on Sunday, Jan. 11, twice a week and had a chavurah, or fel- Islam, I need in tribute of the 17 victims following the shootings by Islamist gunmen at the offices of the Israel very satirical weekly newspaper Charlie Hebdo, the killing of a police woman in Montrouge, lowship, through my Reform synagogue and the Jewish hostages killed at a kosher supermarket at the Porte de Vincennes. Photo with kids my age. A portion of my family much. And so by Laurence Geai/Flash90 was Orthodox. I was surrounded by Jews. do you. I always felt like there were a lot of Jews in When I took Jewish Studies 101 (an representatives of liberty and freedom. the and the world based on introduction to Judaism) at UCLA as an On the day of the attacks on the Jews, my childhood experience. I was wrong. undergraduate, our instructor had us read Kveller contributing editor Jordana Horn‘s We are less than 2 percent of the U.S. a small book called The Short History of the tweet caught my eye: #JeSuisJuif. It hit me population, and 0.2 percent of the world Jewish People by Raymond Scheindlin. It right in the gut: I am a Jew. (A recent article population. detailed major historical events for the past in notes that #JeSuisJuif This month in Paris, 17 individuals thousands of years of Jewish existence. didn’t catch on the way #JeSuisCharlie did were killed, including four Jews who were What struck me then and still astounds me and explores why people are still afraid to executed when a Muslim terrorist took is how for the better part of the past few take the side of Jews.) them hostage in a kosher supermarket in thousand years, each century—that’s each The Great Synagogue in Paris closed Porte de Vincennes, a prominent and well- 100-year period for thousands of years— on Shabbat for the first time since World known Jewish neighborhood. This was a featured a segregation-related designation War II. That is astounding to me. I lit calculated attack on Jews and anyone who placed on the Jews in the communities we extra candles for the four Jews killed this happened to be there (including workers lived in all over the world. We were made past Shabbat. I told my sons that someone at the store, not all of whom were Jewish). to live in separate parts of the city walled who hates Jews did a very prickly thing We are told the past few years have seen off from everyone else and to wear distin- in Paris—my older son knows that means a global rise in anti-Semitism, especially guishing hats, marks on our coats, and someone was killed—and that we are across Europe. While many could argue yes, even before the Holocaust, sometimes remembering them this Shabbat. I thought that the facts are inflated or biased, and forced to wear Jewish stars. of shielding them entirely from the events, that for the most part we Jews have “made And all we want to be is part of the but then I recalled images of children being it,” it is undeniable that Jews are still the world. Unique, but also universally accept- evacuated from the market and I thought of center of political arguments around the ed and assimilated. Our religion allows for my friends and family who go into bomb world for which we are not responsible in it. Our sages preach it. Our greatest minds shelters with their children in Israel, and any logical way. thrived on it. I figured, you know what? I can make this Do I think another Holocaust is com- I hated this month’s events as a human; part of their reality. Because it is. ing? “Chas v’chalilah” (heaven forbid), no. to see what humans can do to one another What will future authors write about Do I think Jews need to live in fear of brought me to tears. I hated it as a person our century? The 20th wasn’t so good. The another Holocaust? No. Why not? Because of faith who believes in living by a code 21st has started off rough, but maybe in of the existence of the State of Israel. of decency and goodness that our Creator this century it will all turn around. I don’t Politics and controversy over the estab- established for us on this planet. But most- know. lishment of the state aside, Israel is a ly, I hated it as a Jew. Until we find out more, I am planning homeland for Jews. Period. Prime Minister On the day of the Charlie Hebdo my next trip to Israel. Because “Je Suis Juif” Benjamin Netanyahu told the Jews of shootings, I posted on social media the fol- —I am a Jew—and although I am afraid, France after the attacks to seriously con- lowing: #JeSuisCharlie. We are all Charlie. I am undeniably resilient. I’ve had to be. sider moving there, as some 7,000 French Especially the artists and satirists and For thousands of years this has been our Jews did last year in the wake of the creative minds who make our living by existence and it’s not letting up. previous many years of anti-Semitism in creating and challenging and questioning And the P.S. to this story is that the France. He told them Israel is their home – with artistic expression. We are those four Jews killed were buried in Israel. Their and it is true. It is our home. Until people artists. We all are the innocents executed bodies and souls are now together at home. stop dragging Jews into global terrorism in the name of religion, transformed into

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jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 7 by Gabrielle Birkner

(JTA)—This month’s deadly hostage siege at a kosher supermarket in Paris has French Jews (and some non-Jews) proclaiming “Je suis juif,” or “I am Jewish,” in solidarity with the four people killed in the attack. Who are the Jews of France? Here’s a primer.

How many Jews are there How did Jews get to France? in France? Jews have had a presence in the country at About 500,000, the most of any least since the Middle Ages, though it wasn’t European nation and more than until 1791 that French Jews were granted any other country in the world, full citizenship. (Rashi, the famed except for Israel and the United scholar and commentator, lived in 11th-cen- States. tury France.) France absorbed more than 100,000 How does that compare Central and Eastern European Jews fleeing to other faith groups persecution in the years leading up to World Steve Budman Photography Steve in the country? War II. Today, however, most Jews living in In the Marias, 2013. France is home to some 66 mil- France have roots in Morocco, Algeria and lion people; about 80 percent of . Some 235,000 Jews arrived from them are Catholic. There are also those newly independent countries in the French Jewry 101 between 5 million and 6 mil- 1950s and 1960s, and this largely Sephardic lion Muslims, with many tracing population is widely credited with reviv- their roots back to the Maghreb, ing religious Judaism in France after the From Rashi to Dreyfus to Hyper Cacher sub-Saharan Africa and Turkey. Holocaust.

Where do Jews live in France? What happened to French Jews Paris and its suburbs mostly, home to as during the Holocaust? many as 350,000 Jews. The Nazi German military occupied north- Ruth’s will The Marais, in Paris’ 3rd and 4th ern France, including Paris, from 1940 to said a lot districts, is the city’s historic Jewish 1944. In the southern “free zone,” the Vichy about her. neighborhood. It remains home to many French state was nominally neutral but actu- kosher shops and eateries, synagogues ally was a puppet of Nazi Germany. During and religious schools. But the trendy the war, some 76,000 Jews from France— What does quarter—known today for its fashion including about 11,000 children—were sent your will say boutiques, gay culture and pricey real to Nazi death camps. Most of them died at about you? estate—is much less of a Jewish residen- Auschwitz, but 2,500 survived. By 1945, tial neighborhood than it once was. some 235,000 Jews remained in France. As a “pink lady” Ruth Goodman accumulated more Jews today live throughout Paris, but hours than any other volunteer at the Norfolk hospital particularly in the affluent 17th district, What are France’s most influential where she greeted visitors. Before she died in 1995, Ruth the more working-class 19th and 20th Jewish institutions today? arranged for a bequest to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation districts, and increasingly the lively 11th The Consistoire, which dates back to to give good health to the community she and her husband Victor loved. and 12th districts. Hyper Cacher, where Napoleonic times, oversees a network of some This year 17 students are studying to become physicians, pharmacists Friday’s deadly hostage siege took place, 500 synagogues and religious sites, such as and other medical professionals thanks to scholar- is situated in the 12th district, on Paris’ cemeteries and mikvahs. The Consistoire, ships generated by Ruth’s generosity. Many more eastern edge. The suburbs of Sarcelles which has a number of local affiliates, also Goodman Scholars will follow every year forever. to the north of the city, Saint-Mande to manages kashrut certifications and elects the Write your prescription for a better future by the east, Creteil to the southeast, and country’s chief rabbi. The majority of Jewish ordering a free bequest guide. Learn how easy it is to leave a gift for charity. Call 757-622-7951 Neuilly-sur-Seine, a wealthy residential congregations in France—and all of those or visit leaveabequest.org. neighborhood to the west of the city, also under the auspices of the Consistoire—are have significant Jewish populations. Orthodox, though there is also a smaller In addition, there are about 80,000 Jews number of Reform and Masorti (Conservative) in the southern French city of Marseilles, synagogues in France. and sizable Jewish communities in Lyon, The CRIF, the Council of Jewish Toulouse, Nice and Strasbourg, accord- Institutions of France, is a national federa- www.leaveabequest.org. (757) 622-7951 • ing to Toni Kamins, the author of The tion of dozens of Jewish groups, including Complete Jewish Guide to France. philanthropies, social services organizations

8 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org

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jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 9 OP-ED France’s wake-up call

by Simone Rodan-Benzaquen Let’s be clear: France is under assault. teacher and three children at a Jewish inspiring, as millions of French citizens The enemy is in our midst. Extremists, school in Toulouse. The Toulouse attack gathered in central Paris and through- PARIS (JTA)—The kosher supermarket faithful to a brand of Islam that cele- was a game changer for French Jews. And out France, communicated their outrage was chosen deliberately. Men, women and brates violence and martyrdom, have no although French political leaders voiced on social media and called for action. children were shopping and preparing for respect whatsoever for the core, longstand- outrage, as time passed and the numbers Unfortunately, the voices of Muslim Shabbat. Only two days before the attack, ing French values of democracy, pluralism, and frequency of anti-Semitic incidents community leaders—with some notable terrorists had left 10 of the best-known freedom of expression—and, indeed, for rose, the country seemed to get used to exceptions—have until now been barely satirical journalists and cartoonists dead life itself. Traditional forms of protest are them—even anesthetized to this reality— audible. Those leaders, too, must speak at Charlie Hebdo. Three French police offi- alien to them. Instead, as seen in the car- while many Jews felt a sense of loneliness loudly and clearly, as Muslims and as cers were also struck down, one of them nage wrought by ISIS, al-Qaida and other and isolation. French citizens. a Muslim. Each Islamist terrorist attack jihadists in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, pure The recent attacks in Paris have shocked Many of us in the Jewish community targeted a symbol of the French Republic, barbarism is their vehicle to achieve their the entire nation, indeed the entire world. regretted that no large solidarity movement seeking to bring the country to its knees. perverted notion of salvation. What is new this time is the depth and rose up after the gruesome kidnap-mur- That Jews were targets of radical Islam Tragically, these events are not a new breadth of the reactions, crisscrossing der of Ilan Halimi nine years ago, or after was, alas, unsurprising. Four of the hostag- phenomenon. The Jewish community, French society, the realization that combat- Toulouse, or during last summer’s transpar- es—Yoav Hattab, Philippe Braham, Yohan including the American Jewish Committee ing the threat of radical Islam must be, and ently anti-Semitic demonstrations. While Cohen, François-Michel Saada—were in Paris, has warned for years about the remain, a national priority. But will this be the government did speak out after attacks killed at the kosher market. Survivors of developing and deepening threat that rad- the necessary wake-up call for France as a on Jews and firmly decries anti-Semitism, the attack are anguished. So, too, are most ical Islam poses to France. In March 2012, whole to confront the danger? many in French society and in the media French Jews, who again are discussing and a lone, heavily armed Mohammed Merah The terrorists who struck in Paris—as refused to see that our French values were evaluating not only the future of our com- murdered three French soldiers in cold in Toulouse and at the Jewish Museum in at stake and that Jews were indeed a target. munity but the fate of France itself. blood and, a week later, slaughtered a Brussels last May—are not isolated lone Hatred of Jews never ends with Jews. wolves. They most likely are the tip of a The menace of rising anti-Semitism threat- radical Islamist iceberg, the small visible ens French society at large. The future of part. To counter this lethal trend, we must France will be decided in the coming days, delve deeper and understand the factors weeks and months. The Charlie Hebdo that draw certain individuals to radical massacre makes clear that the war against Islam, and find ways to counter this evil France’s democratic values is in high gear. In one of the worst The mass rally on Sunday, Jan. 11, that endangers all of France. French schools must teach mutual with more than 3.7 million people across respect and responsibility, a component the country in attendance—including, in times of your life, of the curriculum that today is stunningly Paris, French President Francois Hollande, missing. Indoctrination in extremist ide- German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British ologies in prisons demands attention, as Prime Minister David Cameron, Israeli Prime consider one of the does recruitment by radical, violent groups Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other through social media and in mosques. The political leaders—was a powerful statement Toulouse and Paris terrorists spent time of outrage and solidarity against this barba- best lawyers. not only in prison but also with jihadist rism in France and in the rest of the world. groups in Syria and Yemen. Hundreds But what happens in the weeks ahead Over 30 years experience in divorce more are currently in Syria and Iraq, and will truly test France. Now more than at and family law. maybe in other Arab countries. That they any other time in its postwar history, the could return with French passports to fate of France is entwined with the fate of settle back in our communities, or in other its Jews. If France loses them, sooner or European countries, is a nightmare. Their later it will also be lost. Is this the wake- Mona objective is to create fear and division in up call that will help the French people SCHAPIRO French society, of which the extreme right understand the nature of the threat to our FlaxATTORNEY AT LAW P.C. and populists may take advantage. So let’s country, and will they respond firmly and have the courage not to let fear take over. effectively? The French government cannot stop The very soul of France is at stake. 757.425.9191 this trend alone; the effort will require the —Simone Rodan-Benzaquen is the director Flaxlaw.com active involvement of political, religious of the American Jewish Committee’s Paris office. and civil-society leaders. Immediate reac- 303 34th Street . Suite 7 . Virginia Beach, VA 23451 tions to the attack on Charlie Hebdo were

10 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org Man smashes window, makes threat Kosher supermarket gunman may at Jewish bookstore in France have purchased arms in Belgium (JTA)—An unidentified man smashed a permanent police protection provided by window at a Jewish bookstore near Marseille machine-gun toting officers, the Swiss (JTA)—The Islamic extremist who killed Hyper Cacher market. and shouted an anti-Semitic threat. Tribune de Geneve reported. four at a Paris kosher supermarket is “The man is being held by the judge in The man took a hammer to a window at In both relative and absolute terms, believed to have bought his weapons in Charleroi on suspicion of arms dealing,” the Aleph bookstore in Villeurbanne, near Marseille has seen fewer anti-Semitic Belgium. a spokesman for Belgium’s federal prose- Lyon in eastern France, on Wednesday, Jan. incidents than the Paris region since the pro- An arms dealer reportedly turned him- cution said according to reports. “Further 14, the news website 20minutes.fr reported. liferation of such attacks in the early 2000s. self in to Belgian police on Tuesday, Jan. 13 investigations will have to show whether When an attendant rushed to the build- Months after the murder of four Jews saying he negotiated with Amedy Coulibaly there is a link with the events in Paris.” ing’s entrance, the man said, “We’ll get all in Toulouse, Marseille’s main synagogues over an arms sale and scammed him on the Coulibaly also purchased a Kalashnikov of you Jews,” before mounting a scooter and other Jewish institutions, including sale of a used car, according to the French rifle and rocket launchers for brothers Said that was being driven by someone else. areas running educational programs for news agency AFP. and Cherif Kouachi for use in the attack on The man was wearing a scooter helmet that children, were mostly unprotected. He reportedly confessed to selling the the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo concealed his face. Commenting on the change in atmo- weapons to Coulibaly, who killed four that killed 12 in Paris, AFP reported. Police arrived at the scene approximate- sphere, Michele Teboul, head of the local Jewish men in the Jan. 9 attack on the ly four hours after the attack, according to branch of the CRIF umbrella of French the report. Jewish communities, told the daily Tribune Meanwhile, in the southern city of de Geneve, “I feel something has changed. Marseille, which is home to France’s sec- There is distress, discomfort, as though the ond-largest Jewish community, Jewish Jews find themselves outside of this great schools during working hours are under atmosphere of national cohesion.”

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NC_VA Jewish News_2015JAN26.indd 1 12/30/2014 1:48:06 PM jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 11 The Rise of Anti-Semitism: Not only a “Jewish Issue”

by Samantha Golden Overt and violent anti-Semitism, a phe- who are highly passionate and committed nomenon rearing its ugly head in France, to religious freedom and tolerance. midst horrific reports of anti-Semitic has led to sudden attention from global Anti-Semitism today is “not only a violence emanating from Europe, media and reports of mass emigration. Jewish issue. It is a human rights issue.” Aand just one day before hostages Other forms, no less threatening, continue Forman said. were killed at a kosher French market, to surface in more subtle or indirect forms “We can’t stop it,” said Forman. Anti- Ira Forman at the Sandler Family Campus. the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater around the world. In fact, Forman assert- Semitism has been around for thousands presented a timely program, The Rise of ed that no country is without some form of years, and it will continue to exist Forman enlightened the audience with Anti-Semitism: A Resurgence of Evil. and degree of anti-Semitism, including the throughout our lives and the lives of our a description of the “Three ‘D’s” used More than 150 members of the com- United States. grandchildren. to define anti-Semitic, rather than purely munity braved sub-freezing temperatures In the aftermath of Israel’s conflict with However, Forman added that we can anti-Israel intent: to gain an informed perspective on this Gaza last summer, the upsurge of acts of work to alleviate anti-Semitism and “tune •De-legitimization, or questioning alarming issue on Thursday, Jan. 8. The hatred appeared to echo the horrors of it down.” This is done on the ground Israel’s sovereignty and right to exist, while presentation at the Sandler Family Campus a different period. Previously thought to through numerous global and in-country the existence of other nations are not called featured Ira Forman, Special Envoy to have faded away with the end of World NGOs, with public diplomacy and through into question. Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism (SEAS) War II, rampant anti-Semitism has now private, bilateral diplomacy between gov- •Defamation, equating the actions of to the U.S. State Department. led many to question the security of Jews ernments. Israel to those of, for example, the Nazis. Forman offered an insider’s knowledge in modern times. While anti-Semitism has become a •Double standard, holding Israel to a of, and perspective on, anti-Semitic condi- Forman assured the crowd that modern human rights issue, it is justifiably one standard different from and above that of tions in the world today. anti-Semitism is not the same as it was in of particular concern to the global and other nations. “I see a different form of anti-Semitism the 1930s. This time, governments and local Jewish community. This was evident Forman concluded with a question that in every country I visit,” Forman said. societies are denouncing the perpetrators. during the question and answer session many audience members wanted answered: While highlighting recent events in Public institutions and the law in many that followed Forman’s presentation. France, Forman emphasized that anti-Sem- countries today are on the side of the Jews. Tidewater community members want- What can be done? itism is not unique to Western Europe. He Nearly half of the audience members ed to know about conditions for Jews in Forman offered three main recommenda- referenced a survey conducted by the Anti- were unaware prior to the presentation that specific nations around the world, Israel’s tions to the Tidewater community: Defamation League (ADL) indicating the a position dedicated solely to addressing involvement in the fight against anti-Semi- • Stay educated. Attending events such presence of just as much, if not more, sen- anti-Semitism existed in the U.S. gov- tism and clarity on the increasingly blurred as this one sponsored by the UJFT is timents of anti-Semitism in several Eastern ernment. The presence of Forman’s role distinction between what is anti-Israel and one of many ways to remain informed European nations. demonstrates a positive shift in govern- what is anti-Semitism. and stay abreast of the issues. Nearly half of Hungarian Jews polled mental involvement against anti-Semitism. In response to a question about anti-Is- • Turn to resources like UJFT’s by the ADL expressed that they had In a particularly inspiring and uplifting rael versus anti-Semitic intent, Forman Community Relations Council thought about leaving their country due to piece of his somber presentation, Forman noted that free speech includes the right for additional information about anti-Semitism. In his discussion, Forman described the work to combat anti-Sem- to comment on, and be critical of, spe- anti-Semitism and how to appropri- explained that the thought of leaving is itism being done by local in-country cific national policies and actions. Israelis ately respond. not the same as the act of leaving behind non-governmental organizations (NGOs), themselves may criticize Israel, just as • Research the activity of local, nation- one’s home, heritage, culture and language. non-profits and community groups around Americans may criticize America’s deci- al and international organizations It is not always clear why or under what the globe. While many of these groups are sions and politics. However, a point exists addressing anti-Semitism. circumstances thoughts are turned into run by Jewish community members, others when the line between anti-Israel and All attendees received a resource actions as a result of anti-Semitism. are comprised of non-Jewish individuals anti-Semitism is crossed. guide provided by the UJFT’s Community Relations Council. The resources provide additional reading, up-to-date news sourc- es, and a few of the most prominent organizations working tirelessly to fight anti-Semitism in the U.S. and abroad. “Now more than ever with anti-Semitic acts on the rise, we must remain vigilant, well-informed and united as a Jewish com- munity,” says Miles Leon, UJFT president.

Marilyn Allison, Herman McLeod and Sid Bass. Beryl Adler, Gilbert Binder and Rephan.

12 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org Joint reception for Medical and Business Society members

by Samantha Golden killed four Jews who were shopping for the Sabbath at a kosher grocery.” n Jan. 8, the Maimonides Society “How appropriate to have Ira Forman Oand the Business & Legal Society of here speaking about anti-Semitism and spe- the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater cifically speaking of issues in France just as kicked off the New Year with a special joint the horrific massacres occurred at Charlie reception prior to UJFT’s program, The Hebdo and the kosher mart. It reminded Rise of Anti-Semitism: A Resurgence of me that even though we continue to feel Evil. This invitation-only reception offered comfortable, we must always be vigilant and Society members the opportunity to net- remain educated and informed. Kudos again work, socialize and personally meet the to the UJFT for bringing in such relevant evening’s keynote speaker, Ira Forman, and powerful speakers,” says Jason Hoffman Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat of the Business & Legal Society. Marian Ticatch and Scott Kaplan. Lisa Barr and Edith Weiss. Anti-Semitism, the U.S. State Department. Maimonides Society member Dr. Alan The event was well received with an Wagner says, “It was great to see such a exceptional turn out of more than 70 med- fantastic turn out from the Maimonides ical, business and legal professionals from Society. Joining with the broadest mix of the community. Due to the tremendous professionals from the business and legal positive response, registration was closed communities for a joint networking and early and many Society invitees were added educational event is a real world step down to a waiting list. For those who RSVP’d early the path of tikkun olam. This is what our and were fortunate enough to attend, it was community is all about.” a superb evening with good company, cock- The Business & Legal Society and the tails and kosher hors d’oeuvres. Maimonides Society offer networking, Special Envoy Forman spoke to a room social, and philanthropic opportunities for filled with captivated Society members. Jewish business, legal and medical profes- He gave an exclusive insider’s perspective sionals. To get involved, visit JewishVA.org/ Barbara Rosenblatt, Faith Jacobson, Jason Hoffman and Margo Jacobson. on global anti-Semitism in a brief speech BusinessAndLegalSociety, JewishVA.org/ before mingling and answering questions MaimonidesSociety or contact Alex Pomerantz one-on-one. at [email protected]. Visit and ‘LIKE’ the Reliable Media Sources Dr. Edward Karotkin, a Maimonides Business & Legal Society and the Maimonides Resources on for up-to-date news Society member, says “The speaker and Society on Facebook. anti-Semitism • Tablet Magazine topic were ‘right on’ given the recent tragic www.tabletmag.com Organizations events. The Maimonides Society and the • American Jewish Committee •  UJFT professionals and lay leaders deserve www.ajc.org www.jpost.com a lot of credit for the great programming. • Anti-Defamation League (ADL) • The Jewish Daily Forward “I particularly enjoyed connecting with www.adl.org www.forward.com some people from the business community • ADL Global 100 Additional Resources who I had never met prior to the reception,” www.global.adl.org • ADL Global Index of Anti-Semitism says Karotkin. • B’nai Brith International www.global100.adl.org Barbara Rosenblatt, a Business & Legal www.bnaibrith.org • U.S. State Department Society member, says, “The reception was a • Magenta www.state.gov/j/drl/seas great opportunity for the Business & Legal www.magenta.nl • U.S. State Department, The Monitor Society and the Maimonides Society to meet • Middle East Media Research Institute www.state.gov/j/drl/seas/news/index.htm Jeffrey Brooke and Kirk Levy. other professionals in the community.” (MEMRI)—www.memri.org Beth Hirsch Berman of the Business & • National Coalition Supporting Eurasian Suggested Reading Legal Society says, “I enjoyed the reception Jewry—www.ncsej.org • Anti-Judaism: The Western Tradition which gave me the opportunity to recon- • Simon Wiesenthal Center by David Nirenberg nect with people I had not seen in some www.wiesenthal.com • A Lethal Obsession: Anti-Semitism from time. I was, however, surprised that more • Southern Poverty Law Center Antiquity to the Global Jihad of my peers were not in attendance. Mr. www.splcenter.org by Robert S. Wistrich Forman shared some surprising and time- • US State Department Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism— ly facts with us, including that the Jews For more information and resources, www.state.gov/j/drl/seas of France feared for their physical safety visit www.JewishVa.org/Anti-Semitism. • World Jewish Congress more so than did Jews in other countries www.worldjewishcongress.org where anti-Semitism was viewed as prev- alent. The very next day a French terrorist Sharon and Scott Debb.

jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 13 After Paris, reassessing how nations thwart attacks

by Ron Kampeas “We have to in a robust way enhance the more than two years. of law enforcement and by a reluctance sharing of information between European Goldenberg says terrorist sleepers often among some authorities to be seen as pro- WASHINGTON (JTA)—These are the les- nations and the United States.” remain inactive for periods longer than filing religious communities. sons of the Paris attacks for American Jews In France, following the attacks on a two years. The Brookings study emphasizes the and U.S. law enforcement: Keep calm and satirical weekly and kosher supermarket, “These terrorist groups are very patient importance of engaging Muslim communi- cooperate. and the shooting of a police officer, there and methodical,” he says. ties and not alienating them. Enhanced communication between were renewed calls for a French version Potential terrorists can travel easily “The goal should be to move poten- governments has been a key element of of the U.S. Patriot Act, which facilitated through Europe’s open borders. Mehdi tial terrorists towards non-violence; since America’s counterterrorism successes since information gathering after the Sept. 11, Nemmouche, the suspect in the killing of many are in that category already, hound- 9/11, experts say, and more is planned in 2001 attacks. four people in an attack on the Brussels ing them with the threat of arrest or the wake of the attacks in France that left Cherif and Said Kouachi, the two Jewish museum in May, was known to otherwise creating a sense of alienation can 17 dead. brothers who attacked the satirical weekly French authorities and had been flagged backfire,” it says. “In the past, family and President Obama announced this month Charlie Hebdo, reportedly received weap- by Germany upon his return from fight- community members have at times been that Washington will host a summit Feb. ons training in Yemen, had declared their ing in Syria, but Belgian authorities were successful in steering returned fighters 18 aimed at improving communications allegiance to al-Qaida and were on no-fly unaware of his presence. toward a different path, even getting them between nations that are would-be targets of lists. Amedy Coulibaly, the captor who Goldenberg, whose Secure Community to inform on their former comrades.” terrorists. The U.S. secretary of Homeland took hostages and killed four at the kosher Network is funded by the Jewish Federations Jeremy Shapiro, one of the authors of Security, Jeh Johnson, also outlined plans supermarket Hyper Cacher, also reportedly of North America, says the training evi- the Brookings study, says domestic security for better cooperation across national police was known to U.S. security officials. dent in the Paris attacks portended better agencies’ focus on foreign fighters distracts forces and among U.S. law enforcement French authorities are still seeking six planned attacks, even by “lone wolves” who from the overall goal of anticipating mass agencies to identify terrorist threats. accomplices in the attacks, suggesting that act on their own but have undergone train- attacks—many of which have nothing to “Together with our colleagues in the the captors may have belonged to a larger ing in the Middle East. do with classic terrorism. U.S. law enforcement and intelligence com- terrorist cell. “Everyone is trying to figure out what “We have had 74 school shootings in the munities, this department will continue its One of the threats that most con- we do to stop a well-planned terrorist 18 months after Sandy Hook,” he says, refer- efforts to partner with the governments cerns Western security agencies are the operation against a Jewish center,” says ring to the December 2012 massacre of 26 of France and other key counterterrorism Western fighters who go to Middle East Goldenberg, who was in Paris meeting with schoolchildren and teachers in allies to share information about terror- battlegrounds for training and experience Jewish leaders when the kosher supermar- by a lone gunman. “The foreign fighters ist threats and individuals of suspicion,” and then return to their home countries. ket attack took place. “There were armed thing has nothing to do with that.” Johnson says. “We will recommit to these A study published this month by the guards at Charlie who were executed.” With such attacks notoriously difficult engagements.” Brookings Institution says there are about As for the Jewish community, many best to anticipate because of the challenge of Information sharing between the U.S. 4,000 European fighters in Syria. U.S. practices remain the same even after the assessing when mentally ill individuals and European governments suffered some- officials have said 100 U.S. citizens have Paris attacks, Goldenberg says, including are true threats, U.S. law enforcement has what after the 2013 revelations by Edward fought for the Islamic State, the jihad- training Jewish community professional made a priority of tracking individuals Snowden, the rogue ex-National Security ist group also known as ISIS to which and lay leaders in lockdowns and spotting known to have terrorist ties. Agency employee who publicized classified Coulibaly pledged allegiance. suspicious behavior. Jewish communities Last July, the Transport Security Agency information showing that the United States Paul Goldenberg, who directs security need more such people, he says. enhanced security at U.S. points of entry routinely spied on its allies. for the U.S. Jewish community, says that Another key element is making sure and overseas points of departure. Now, “U.S. authorities have been in discus- sharing information on returning fighters that faith communities and law enforce- says Homeland Security’s Johnson, he is sion with counterparts in Europe, but the is frustrated by the fact that Europe rep- ment are in close coordination. In the considering further enhancements. post-Snowden environment has impeded resents an array of sovereign nations, each Jewish community, that may mean author- U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told information sharing,” says John Cohen, a with its own security practices but with ities and community leaders keep in close the CBS news program Face the Nation that senior adviser to the Rutgers University open borders. contact about any suspicious behavior at or lone wolf attacks are one of his great sourc- Institute for Emergency Preparedness and European Union regulations on data around Jewish sites. In Muslim communi- es of concern. Homeland Security and until last year a sharing are complex and replete with ties, that might mean monitoring fighters “It’s something that frankly keeps me up senior counterterrorism coordinator at the restrictions arising out of privacy concerns. returning from the Middle East who embed at night worrying about the lone wolf, or a Department of Homeland Security. The 10 pages of regulations governing the in those communities. group of people, very small group of people “I suspect that [the France attacks] sharing of telecommunications data, for Such coordination is commonplace in who decide to get arms on their own and do will change that environment and lead to instance, allow member countries to retain the United States, but has been inhibited what we saw in France,” he said. better information sharing,” Cohen says. data obtained from other countries for no in Europe by mistrust among minorities

14 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org

Mazel Tov Mazel

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Tov Mazel Tov Mazel Tov Mazel M azel Tov Mazel Mazel Mazel Tov Mazel T v To l e z a M tov Supplement toJewishNewsJanuary 26,2015

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Tov Tov Tov Mazel Mazel Tov Published 22 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus Dear Readers, of the Tidewater Jewish Community Mazel Tov! Mazel Tov! 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 Literally translated, these two Hebrew voice 757.965.6100 • fax 757.965.6102 words mean “good luck.” In general con- email [email protected] versation, however, the phrase is used to www.jewishVA.org say “Congratulations!”

Terri Denison, Editor “Mazel Tov on your engagement!” Germaine Clair, Art Director “Mazel Tov on your wedding!” Hal Sacks, Book Review Editor “Mazel Tov on your new baby!” Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive “Mazel Tov on your B’nai Mitzvah!” Mark Hecht, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager “Mazel Tov on your graduation!” Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus “Mazel Tov on your new job!” Sherri Wisoff, Proofreader “Mazel Tov on your election!” “Mazel Tov on your new home!” Miles Leon, President Stephanie Calliott, Secretary We could fill the newspaper with exam- Harry Graber, Executive Vice-President ples. And, that’s a good thing. It’s a good

thing, because even when life presents The appearance of advertising in the sorrows and fears, reasons to say “Mazel Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, Tov!” continue to flourish. political, product or service endorsement. In this special Mazel Tov section, we The articles and letters appearing herein are tackle the serious subject of inter-faith dat- not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper. ing and how segments of the Conservative Movement are grappling with the issue. © 2015 Jewish News. All rights reserved. Dating of course can lead to marriage. Our first feature offers tips for choosing Subscription: $18 year a wedding gown for Jewish brides. For For subscription or change of address, call 757-965-6128 or after the ceremony and down the road, email [email protected]. Amy Lefcoe updates us on a series spon-

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Terri Denison Editor

16 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | Mazel Tov | jewishnewsva.org Mazel Tov Wedding gown styles for the Jewish bride in 2015

General 2015 Trends Cutouts High-low hemlines Reveal a hint of skin with side cutouts. We’re also “There are two variations of this trend,” seeing this trend in deep V necklines and open says Leonard. “It can be a subtle high- backs. low, where the dress hits at the ankle, Classic lady or more dramatic, in which case it hits You can never go wrong with pretty and at the knee. It’s a great way to show off timeless silhouettes. (Think Grace Kelly fabulous shoes.” style.) by Alina Dain Sharon/JNS.org Slits Sexy, glamorous slits are perfect for an evening ith the spring and summer months being the most reception. popular time of year for weddings, many brides Ware now beginning to search for their ideal gown. “Today’s modern wedding gowns appear to be trend- Dresses for Conservative ing towards more simplistic and classic silhouettes, while Jewish ceremonies elaborate and luxurious fabrics, laces and adornments Allover lace with long sleeves is a great way to look elegant are becoming more significant in the design,” Sharon and conservative. Langert—who runs Fashion-Isha.com, a blog dedicated to fashion for Orthodox Jewish women—says. A tulle wrap is a chic way to cover up. The soft pastel color “One of the most current and popular wedding gown with beaded floral tulle is so gorgeous and ethereal. styles is the flattering fit and flare, a style that softly hugs a woman’s curves while gently flaring out at the hips,” she says. Option for an But for Jewish brides, depending on their religious denomination, there are special considerations of modesty Orthodox to take into account. ceremony “Modesty is not about being oppressed, but just the 70s-inspired bohemian chic looks are having a huge opposite—an opportunity to fully express the inner light moment right now. and beauty of the divine and refine woman through fabric, silhouette and texture,” says Langert. Tip “Trends aside,” she adds, “choosing the perfect wed- When you make an appointment at a bridal salon, check ding gown style is always a very personal and individual to see if they’ll ‘build up’ a dress for an orthodox service. decision. There will always be those girls who dream of a (Most will.) tulle-infused Cinderella ball gown, or a simple and mod- ern sheath, and the most important factor in choosing a Additional gown is how it makes the bride look and feel.” In “Wedding Wednesday: The Real Wedding Dresses Styling Tips of the Frum and Fabulous,” a recent post on Langert’s blog (from Rachel Leonard) dedicated to the gown search and featuring photos of the • Be comfortable in the dress and make sure author’s favorite bridal styles, she writes that “through you can easily move in it. necessity, many Jewish brides become their own designers. • Don’t let the dress wear you. We are the queens of creativity when it comes to designing • Don’t over accessorize. and modifying previously non-modest gowns.” • Keep your hair soft and modern. Get inspired With that principle in mind, Rachel Leonard, fashion by the red carpet—there are so many great director for Brides.com, makes the following suggestions hair and makeup looks out there right now! on bridal fashion in 2015—tips that can apply to Jewish brides of all denominations. For those who do not wish to purchase these specific styles of gowns, use them for inspiration.

jewishnewsva.org | Mazel Tov | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 17 Mazel Tov! Celebrate at Mazel Tov

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’ve been a member of Ohef Sholom Temple my entire life, I so it’s not easy to select just one memorable celebration, especially since I’ve celebrated with my family and my congre- Mazel gation so many times at the temple. Still, a very unique event occurred on June 3, 2012, just after I became Ohef Sholom’s Temple Administrator. The merger of Temple Sinai with Ohef Sholom culminated in a Tov Gail W. Bachman. beautiful, memorable day filled with emotion. After months of planning by members of both congregations, the Torahs of Temple Sinai were ceremoniously police-escorted from Temple Sinai through the Portsmouth-Norfolk tunnel, up the grand steps of Ohef Sholom, through the sanc- tuary and to their new home in the ark of the newly named Sinai Chapel. The shofar was blown, welcoming the Torahs and joining our congregations together under the chuppah. There was singing, clapping and dancing in the streets, followed by a special service and party for hundreds of revelers. 721 Granby Street When I think of how we have become one integrated family and I look at the Norfolk, VA 23510 beautiful stained glass windows that were once in the Temple Sinai sanctuary, but are now perfectly situated in the Sinai Chapel at Ohef Sholom Temple, my heart is full.

Gail W. Bachman 757-625-4228 · www.bresspawnshop.com Ohef Sholom Temple Administrator

18 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | Mazel Tov | jewishnewsva.org Mazel Tov SAVOR THE OLIVE • ARTISAN OLIVE OILS & VINEGARS

High Holy Days 2014

s the Temple administrator of Congregation A Beth Chaverim, I attended my first High Holy Day Services this past September. A non-Jew, I had never experienced the love and compassion shown me by our congregants as they welcomed my daughter and I to services and Break-the-Fast, sponsored by our Sisterhood. The Michelle R. Anderson. Sisterhood did a fabulous job, along with other vol- unteers, transforming our Social Hall into a welcoming family banquet. “Someone’s” kugel was well worth fighting for—you know who you are! With open arms, the children of “CBC” welcomed Caitlyn into their festivities, while I mingled with congre- gants I had never met before. I may be a little biased, but these amazing people of our community are truly one of a kind. It was a beautiful and moving celebration of a New Year. I will always remember it, and I am honored to be a part of Congregation Beth Chaverim. 1624 LASKIN ROAD 419 W. 21ST STREET Michelle R. Anderson VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451 NOFROLK, VA 23517 Temple Administrator, Congregation Beth Chaverim-Virginia Beach 757.425.3866 757.624.3866

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jewishnewsva.org | Mazel Tov | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 19 Mazel Tov

Celebrating with song

n Sunday afternoon, Dec. 14, Congregation Beth El O presented From Bimah to Broadway—an afternoon of Cantors in Concert. Three nationally renowned cantors, Alisa Pomerantz-Boro, Randy Herman, and Zachary Mondrow, took the stage and performed a wide variety of traditional and contemporary music including a touch of showbiz. As co-chairman, Alex Pam Gladstone. Pomerantz, said, “The whole room came alive with the mel- odies of our rich Jewish spirit.” Those in attendance Beth El celebrated its 150th anniversary, called the concert “one of listened, sang along, and clapped their hands. the great days in the history of the synagogue.” To quote Rabbi Jeffery Arnowitz, “It was a fun, Immediately following the concert, Beth El hosted a beautiful energizing and enjoyable day for the whole congre- hors d’oeuvres and dessert reception prepared by our wonderful gation and community.” Sisterhood women. Rabbi Arthur Ruberg, who oversaw the congre- Pam Gladstone

gation’s packed house with Elie Wiesel in 2000 as Cantors Zachary Mondrow, Alisa Pomerantz-Boro and Randy Herman with Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz.

Mazel Tov!

May all your celebrations be joyous! Congressman& Mrs. Scott Rigell

20 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | Mazel Tov | jewishnewsva.org Mazel Tov Israeli couple welcomes birth of 100th great-grandchild

JERUSALEM (JTA)—An Israeli cou- And they lived happily ever after ple welcomed the birth of their 100th great-grandchild. by Amy Lefcoe included the importance Michael Mittwoch, 92, and his wife, of remembering why Marion, 90, celebrated the bris of Dagan t was an afternoon of love, laughs and participants fell in love Raz this month, according to Israeli media learning as couples from across the in the beginning and reports. They called the new baby and their Icommunity came together for the first keeping those qualities other great-grandchildren “our answer to of a three-part series on love and marriage. about their spouses in Hitler,” Ynet reported. Participants enjoyed an icebreaker of every day consciousness. The Mittwochs were born in Germany socializing, snacks and drinks (yes—there She also spoke on the and each fled to England after the Nazis was even beer and wine on hand for this importance of giving in a came to power. one) upon arriving. Many were apprehen- marriage. After World War II they made their ways sive, unsure what to expect next. “The more we give, separately to Israel and met on “Taking your marriage to the next level” the more we love,” said Kvutzat . They then became two of is a little out-of-the box when it comes Palatnik, explaining that Lori Palatnik. the founders of Kibbutz Lavi in the Galilee, to the typical items that are included this is why parents love and they also were the first couple to be on most community social calendars. All their children so much. She suggested is concerned, so newcomers are encouraged married there, according to Ynet. uncertainties dissolved, however, as soon doing something nice for one’s spouse to join in. Register at www.jfshamptonroads. Their five children live in Israel. as the speaker, Lori Palatnik of the Jewish every day, an obvious concept, which many org/marriage-series or with Amy Cobb of JFS The new baby was named after Maj. Women’s Renaissance Project, began the couples shared that they found to be inno- at (757) 321-2235. The price per couple for Dagan Wertman, 32, a Golani Brigade program. vative. the rest of the series is $80. It comes with a doctor who was at officers’ school with Palatnik shared stories and insights The series continues on Sunday, Feb. 8, money-back guarantee that regardless of how the baby’s father and was killed during that were relatable for everyone, especially and then finally on Sunday, March 22. Each great a marriage is, there are ways to make it Operation Cast Lead at the end of 2008. after years of wedded bliss. Her message session stands on its own as far as content even better.

jewishnewsva.org | Mazel Tov | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 21 Mazel Tov

Causing stir, prominent Conservative rabbi considers breaking intermarriage ban

Bar and Bat Mitzvahs by Uriel Heilman many negative reviews, especially from our interfaith families whom we were trying to Graduations Birthdays NEW YORK (JTA)—Within days of float- reach by it.” Anniversaries Office Events ing a proposal that would have made According to Gardenswartz, who has Receptions Gallery Tours and Rabbi Wesley Gardenswartz of Temple been at Temple Emanuel since 1997, con- Emanuel in Newton, Mass., the first prom- gregants said such a covenant would be Demonstrations Unique Shopping inent Conservative clergyman to break “asking too much, too soon.” They also said One of a Kind Artworks and Gifts with the movement’s ironclad rule against it did not account for those unable to have performing intermarriages, the children or past child-bearing age, would spiritual leader of one of the nation’s larg- be unfair to require only of interfaith est Conservative synagogues decided to couples, and would be unenforceable and TheThe d’ARTd’ART CenterCenter willwill createcreate aa reverse course. therefore a mere formality. In a recent email to congregants, “These objections persuaded me UniquelyUniquely ArtfulArtful EventEvent ForFor You!You! Gardenswartz attached a proposal for a that the Covenant is not workable,” new shul policy that would enable him Gardenswartz wrote. to officiate at interfaith weddings in cases In the email, the rabbi also reassured TheThe d’ARTd’ART CenterCenter @@ TheThe SeldenSelden where the couple commits to a “Covenant congregants that he would not take renegade 208208 EastEast MainMain StreetStreet Norfolk,Norfolk, VirginiaVirginia 2351023510 to Raise Jewish Children” and asked the actions that would sever the congregation’s www.d-artcenter.orgwww.d-artcenter.org 757-625-4211757-625-4211 congregation consider it. affiliation with the Conservative movement. 44 Galleries,Galleries, 2828 Studios,Studios, 22 ClassroomsClassrooms “Conservative clergy cannot officiate But Gardenswartz says the congregation at or attend an interfaith wedding. But we would explore ways to be more welcoming welcome the interfaith family to our shul,” to interfaith families both before and after Gardenswartz wrote. “But I am worrying the wedding and treat interfaith couples . Relax by the Water whether that response has grown stale, exactly the same as all-Jewish couples— PerfectRelax Place by the to CelebrateWater and whether a new response would better with the exception of wedding officiation. LAKE SMITH serve the needs of our families and of our It’s not clear what role fear that he LAKE SMITH congregation.” or his congregation would be ousted EntertainReady for in youyour to new enjoy! Among the high-powered members by the Conservative movement played Ready for you to enjoy! Readyhome!This for This allyou brick toall enjoy!brick home of Temple Emanuel’s board of trustees in Gardenswartz’s change of heart. He This all brick home homeThisoverlooking overlooking all brick home sereneserene are NFL owner Robert Kraft of the New declined JTA’s requests for an interview. overlooking serene LakeLake Smith Smith is brightis bright England Patriots, Massachusetts state “There is a range of opinions with Lake Smith is bright treasurer Steven Grossman and Michael our congregation,” synagogue board mem- andand up-to-date. up-to-date. and up-to-date. Bohnen, the president of casino magnate ber Joanne Linowes Alinsky told JTA. NewNew roof roof and and windows. windows. New roof and windows. Sheldon Adelson’s family foundation. “Some people are thinking this is excit- CustomCustom neighborhood neighborhood Custom neighborhood The rabbi is also said to have sent his ing, groundbreaking stuff, and others are convenient to all of convenientconvenient to allto ofall of proposal to the Rabbinical Assembly, the thinking it is too far from tradition.” Hampton Roads. HamptonHampton Roads. Roads. rabbinic group that sets Conservative poli- Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice cies and standards. president of the Rabbinical Assembly, But just days after Gardenswartz floated declines to discuss any details of her con- 51135113 Crystal Crystal Point DriveDrive the idea, he abruptly backed down from versations with Gardenswartz. But she $539,900 5113 Crystal$539,900$539,900 Point Drive its most controversial element: that he be confirms that R.A. rules mandate the $525,000 permitted to perform interfaith weddings. expulsion of any member who violates the “The Covenant to Raise Jewish Children rule against officiating at intermarriages. will not work,” Gardenswartz said in a “What I see in our members is very subsequent email sent to congregants this consistent reaffirmation of this standard,” week and shared with JTA. “In my ini- Schonfeld says. “It’s not just that we won’t; tial proposal, I had written that I would we can’t. We don’t see the performance of perform an intermarriage if the inter- intermarriage as something rabbis can do.” 757-439-4039 faith couple would, by signing a written She also notes that synagogues affiliated Janet757-439-4039 Frenck, CRB, GRI Covenant, affirm that, if God blessed them with the United Synagogue of Conservative [email protected] [email protected] Frenck, CRB, GRI with children, they would raise their chil- Judaism cannot retain rabbis who perform William E. Wood & Associates [email protected] Laskin Road • Virginia Beach 1321William Laskin E. Road Wood • Virginia & Associates Beach dren exclusively as Jews. This idea received such weddings. 1321 Laskin Road • Virginia Beach

22 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | Mazel Tov | jewishnewsva.org Mazel Tov

The angst surrounding intermarriage faith couple as a Jewish-Jewish couple and the mixed reactions from congregants except that its clergy cannot officiate at the to Gardenswartz’s proposal are a reflec- interfaith wedding,” he wrote in his email. tion of the struggles of a movement with In this regard, Gardenswartz is not declining numbers that frowns upon inter- alone in his movement. Other Conservative marriage but in which nearly four in 10 rabbis struggling with the movement’s ban members marry outside the faith, accord- on intermarriage have found their own ing to the 2013 Pew Research Center’s ways of welcoming interfaith couples – and survey of U.S. Jews. even blessing their unions. “The reality of modern-day Judaism At Congregation Kneses Tifereth Israel is that almost all of us are touched by in Port Chester, N.Y., for example, Rabbi this,” Lisa Hills, Temple Emanuel’s pres- Jaymee Alpert offers a public blessing to ident, says of intermarriage. “If it’s not in interfaith couples right before their wed- our nuclear family, it’s somewhere in our ding in an adaptation of the traditional extended family.” pre-wedding Shabbat “aufruf” celebration. The response within the movement Alpert also presents interfaith couples with generally has been to discourage interfaith the same synagogue gift bestowed upon unions yet welcome such couples once they Jewish couples. are married. But many are worried that this At Temple Aliyah in Los Angeles, Rabbi approach alienates Conservative Jews and Stewart Vogel celebrates interfaith cou- their non-Jewish partners, driving them away ples, acknowledging them on “anniversary from Jewish tradition entirely or into the Shabbats” along with the Jewish couples. arms of alternative rabbis and movements And Conservative synagogues all over that allow intermarriage, prompting them to the country are adapting rituals, loosening abandon the Conservative movement. restrictions that had kept non-Jews from “I think our movement in terms of col- being full-fledged members and trying new leagues is tremendously divided between outreach approaches in an effort to make doing what we’ve been told—by the R.A. non-Jewish family members feel part of the always fresh creativity 45 years ago in establishing standards synagogue community. of practice—and serving our members Hills says crossing the Rubicon by sanc- Beautiful and unique cakes, cupcakes,cookies and creating Jewish families,” says Rabbi tioning intermarriages feels like the next and pies, for any occasion. Charles Simon, who is executive director of logical step for the Conservative movement.  always fresh, nothing frozen the movement’s Federation of Jewish Men’s “We welcome interfaith families as  all ingredients made from scratch SPECIALIZING in RUGGELAH! Clubs and helps Conservative synagogues members in our Conservative synagogues,”  be more inclusive of non-Jews. she says. “We should be welcoming at the imagination is the only limitation Simon says the move by someone of point of weddings as well.” CALL TODAY Gardenswartz’s stature to review policy on For now, however, that’s off the table 10% OFF 757•377•7163 with this ad interfaith unions could be a game changer for Gardenswartz. But it remains a subject [email protected] for the movement. of deep debate within Temple Emanuel, “I think this is the beginning of a huge where many members are seeing their chil- 1233 E. Bay Shore Dr. • Virginia Beach, VA 23451 • flourpower.guru paradigm shift,” Simon says. “By writing dren pair off with non-Jewish spouses and a paper and sending it to the R.A., this leave the fold. changes the playing field. “It’s huge in our community as our chil- “In terms of congregational rabbis, Wes dren are getting married,” board member Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill is unique. I can’t think of anybody else Alinsky says. Newly appointed Rabbi of Tidewater Chavurah who is out there in the same way. I’m very “Do you welcome an interfaith couple excited because this can potentially create before the wedding or wait until they are serving Tidewater’s unaff iliated Jews tremendous opportunities in the move- married by somebody else and then say and spiritual seekers as ment for growth, for attracting families.” now that you are married we want you to For now, Gardenswartz’s redrawing of come into our faith and our synagogue? the proposal to his congregation precludes The question is: Do you dilute what’s Lifecycle Officiant his officiating at interfaith weddings. But important about Conservative Judaism or he has made clear that he will not frown do you move with the trends? There’s no Jewish Educator & Tutor upon interfaith unions. easy answer to that.” “Temple Emanuel will treat an inter- [email protected] • 215-359-7806

jewishnewsva.org | Mazel Tov | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 23 Mazel Tov Celebrate Your USY reverses Mazel Tov At interfaith dating ban

by Uriel Heilman in our secular life to date someone who is not of the Jewish religion, I don’t see why NEW YORK (JTA)—United Synagogue there should be limitations within USY.” Youth voted to relax its rules barring its teen- The constitution that sets standards age board members from dating non-Jews. for USY was written several years ago The amendment was adopted last month by the 15- to 18-year-olds who lead the in Atlanta at the annual international con- movement, and it always has been their vention of the Conservative movement’s prerogative to change them, according to youth group. The change affects the 100 Rabbi David Levy, the professional direc- or so teen officers who serve on USY’s tor of USY and director of teen learning national board and 17 regional boards. at the United Synagogue of Conservative The thousands of teens who participate in Judaism. USY programs have not been subject to any The vote tally on the new amendment such bans. was kept secret, but the teens who support- After some debate at the convention, the ed the change wanted to ensure that the USY board also elected not to adopt a con- movement does not come across as judg- troversial proposal to alter requirements mental of families who should be welcomed that teen board members be Sabbath and into the movement, Levy says. holiday observant when it comes to travel, “While we maintain the value that dat- public functions and taking school exams. ing within the faith is key to a sustainable While dropping the prohibition against Jewish future, we want to be positive and dating non-Jews, board members should welcoming to USYers, many of whom are “model healthy Jewish dating choices,” the from interfaith families,” he says. newly adopted amendment to USY’s con- The movement’s educational programs stitution says. “These include recognizing will continue to promote the importance of the importance of dating within the Jewish dating within the faith and committing to community and treating each person with creating Jewish families, Levy says. the recognition that they were created The USY vote comes weeks after Wesley Betzelem Elohim (in the image of God).” Gardenswartz, the rabbi at one of the The change on dating policy reflects nation’s largest Conservative synagogues, where most young Conservative Jews are Temple Emanuel in Newton, Mass., floated when it comes to dating outside the faith. a plan to his congregation that would allow Some four in 10 Conservative Jews who him to officiate at interfaith weddings in have married since 2000 have married non- cases where the couple committed to rais- Jews, according to the 2013 Pew Research ing Jewish children. He later dropped that Center survey of U.S. Jewry. controversial element of the proposal. Jordan Dinkin, a USY member from The Conservative movement officially Reisterstown, Md., says she considered frowns on intermarriage, forbidding its running for her region’s board when she rabbis from officiating or even attending was finishing up her junior year of high interfaith weddings. In practice, however, school until she learned that USY rules synagogues generally are welcoming of precluded board members from dating out- interfaith couples, with some grant- side the faith. Dinkin, 17, has a non-Jewish ing membership to non-Jews, and some boyfriend. Conservative rabbis attending interfaith “It disappointed me a lot that I had to weddings. give up that opportunity because of my sec- Rabbi Steven Wernick, CEO of the ular life,” she says. “Obviously people who United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, are active in USY are people who are pas- says the policy change does not reflect a sionate about their Judaism. I believe that as change in USY’s values. a progressive youth movement, if we choose continued on page 25

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stopped by early that cold Saturday morning to make sure I the new boiler was working. There was a large Bat Mitzvah Your Table is Waiting! starting in a couple of hours. Not only was the boiler not working,

the entire building was dark and freezing cold. An overnight car

accident nearby had knocked out the power to the entire building.

The power company got service restored just before the con-

gregation started to arrive, but our sanctuary takes hours to heat. It seemed that the

spirit of the event was warm enough to compensate, though. The Bat Mitzvah did a

lovely job while wearing her winter coat. People sat closer together. Brody Auditorium

was even more welcoming than usual for the kiddush luncheon because it heated faster

than the sanctuary, giving it the impression of a snug paradise.

There were no complaints that day. A random accident helped all of us remain Lynn Harrisberger HandCRAfted Fine Art Jewelry focused on the spirituality and fellowship of the day.

Leslie N. Bradner Administrator Temple Israel

continued from page 24 the fact that we live in an incredibly free “It continues to recognize what we society, where even committed Jews will know to be true: encouraging Jews to marry outside the faith. If they do, we must marry other Jews is the most successful welcome them wholeheartedly and encour- path toward creating committed Jewish age them to embrace Judaism.” homes,” Wernick says. “At the same time, Some 750 teens went to Atlanta for this Celebrate Your Inner SPirit we can’t put our heads in the sand about year’s USY international convention. LynnHarrisberger.Com | 757-689-7698

jewishnewsva.org | Mazel Tov | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 25 Mazel Tov Beth Sholom’s calendar has gone to the dogs “Awww” is what people most often say when first looking at The Dogs Of Beth Sholom Village Calendar. It seems appropri- ate, because looking into the eyes of Truffles on the cover, with her cute nose and pink bow, everyone’s heart seems to melt. The Calendar reflects the love the dogs that work at Beth Sholom Village receive, as well as of those who visit with family members. If even for a moment when a We start with your resident holds or pets one of the friendly canines, they are relieved from aches, pains ideas and our expert and memory loss. cake decorators turn Every month of the year highlights a them into dog with a different resident enjoying the moment. heaven-baked reality. John Toomey, a friend of Beth Sholom Village, a profesor of Jazz at ODU and a talented photographer, took the calendar’s photographs. 368-CAKE (2253) Calendars cost $20. The proceeds go 1496 Lynnhaven Parkway & 296 Constitution Dr. directly to Beth Sholom Village. See our fantastic cakes Cover of The Dogs of Beth Shalom Village. www.theblissbakery.com

Everything works out in the end

ver the years, we, O here at Bnai Israel, have had many simchas in

our halls (both Richels Hall

and the Bornstein Atrium).

Thank G-d that no

major nightmares come to

mind—everything works out in the end.

Recently, we had a bris for a military (Navy) couple—with twin boys. Even

though the couple doesn’t belong to our shul, and it was short notice, a beauti-

ful spread was put out.

It doesn’t matter whether we have two months or two days notice—the

simcha is always a beautiful event. Michele Aronoff Executive Director B’nai Israel Congregation

26 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | Mazel Tov | jewishnewsva.org Designs Francineby We’re going to Argentina! Want to come? Say si! Specializing in home transformations for over 30 years, I embrace any project, by Amy Zelenka tionship with various governments and 1994 terrorist bombings); JAFI-founded large or small, with the vision to provide UJFT Missions Director with the world-famous Argentine Gauchos. BAMA education center; and the country’s the WOW factor. Participants will stroll along the avenues largest Jewish school, run by ORT. It prom- he United Jewish Federation of and plazas of the country’s capitol, visiting ises to be an intense and exciting few days. TTidewater will lead a mission to the history and art museums, and maybe even The mission will close with a short Jewish community of Argentina in the fall. take a Tango lesson or two. But in the end, flight to the magnificent Iguazu Falls, Beginning in Buenos Aires on Thursday, it will be the time spent with members which divide Argentina from its neighbor Oct. 15, the mission will include visits with of the Jewish community that sets this Brazil. On return from the Falls, the group Jewish community leaders and opportuni- trip apart from any ordinary vacation or will come together for a farewell dinner, as ties to see Federation’s Campaign dollars at sight-seeing tour. the mission draws to an end. work on the ground. The group will expe- The mission will learn about the trag- The mission is priced at $3780 per per- rience some of the services provided to the edies and triumphs this community has son. This price does NOT include airfare community by UJFT overseas partners: experienced during the past 20 years from from the U.S. to Argentina. Participants Jewish Agency for Israel (JFAI), American community leaders at Club Hebraica; visit are required to make their own air trav- Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) the JDC-run Baby Help Program, which el arrangements. The mission price does and ORT. provides special assistance to babies and include all land transportation (including But as with all Federation missions… mothers living below the poverty line; and the short flight to and from Iguazu), guides, it’s not going to be “just business!” The enjoy a guided tour of the Jewish Museum all hotel accommodations, most meals and Furniture • Window Treatments group will visit a variety of cultural and at Libertad Synagogue. They’ll share a admissions. Extensions are available at Wallcoverings • Carpet & Rugs Lighting • Accesories historic centers as it learns the unique Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat dinner with additional fees. history of Argentina, as well as of the members of the community at the Grand Because it is a Federation-sponsored Francine Morgan Argentinian Jewish community. They’ll Synagogue of Buenos Aires. Visits are mission, participants will also be asked for (757) 621-0795 learn about the Jewish community’s rela- planned to the AMIA building (site of the a gift to next year’s Annual Campaign. By appointment only • Complimentary Initial Consultation

Yale’s ‘Jewish Lives’ series wins National Jewish Book Award 2015 UJFT Mission to the (JTA)—The “Jewish Lives” series, a set of by Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern, short biographies, was named the Jewish in the History category. Jewish Community of Argentina Book of the Year by the Jewish Book Council. • The Koren Ani Tefillah Siddur, The series, which has been issued for by Jay Goldmintz and Jonathan the past four years by Yale University Press, Sacks, October 14 - 21, 2015 was among the 2014 National Jewish Book for Modern Jewish Thought and Awards winners announced Jan. 14. Experience. It marked the first time that the Book of • A Question of Tradition: Women Poets Mark your calendars. the Year award went to a series. in Yiddish, 1586-1987, Space is limited! Among the other winners: by Kathryn Hellerstein, Itinerary in final stages of construction. • The Betrayers, for Women’s Studies. by David Bezmogis, • “ Outside the Bible, 3-Volume Set: the JJ Greenberg Memorial Ancient Jewish Writings Related to $3,780* per person Award for fiction. Scripture, (Does not include airfare to and from the U.S.) • The Mathemetician’s Shiva, edited by Louis H. Feldman, James * Based on double occupancy. by Stuart Rojstaczer, L. Kugel and Covers all lodging, most meals, all air and Outstanding Debut Fiction. Lawrence H. Schiffman, ground transportation in Argentina, tour bus, guides, • “ Spinoza: The Outcast Thinker, for Scholarship. by Devra Lehmann, The awards will be presented March 11 speakers, admissions, and most other program costs. for Children’s and Young in New York. A complete list of the winners A MINIMUM OF 25 PARTICIPANTS Adult Literature. can be seen on the Jewish Book Council’s NEEDED TO MAKE THE MISSION A “GO!” • The Patchwork Torah, website. written by Allison Ofanansky The council has given out the annual and illustrated by Elsa Oriol, awards recognizing outstanding books of Email or call Amy Zelenka at [email protected] or 965-6139 to add for Illustrated Children’s Book. Jewish interest since 1948. (JTA) your name to the list of 2015 UJFT Argentina mission participants! • The Golden Age Shtetl,

jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 27 Indian River High School honors Dana Cohen Article by Elka Mednick the Holocaust. (Blackman had hoped that Photos by Laine M. Rutherford Kitty Saks, another What We Carry survivor could have been there, and so he also wel- ana Cohen does not seem to like to comed her on the signs. Unfortunately, she be the center of attention, though was unable to attend.) Dthat was the case on Friday, Jan. Back in the classroom, with the prin- 9, as it was “Dana Cohen Day” at Indian cipal and several other administrators in River High School in Chesapeake. Master the standing room only crowd, the What teacher Craig Blackman, the Holocaust We Carry presentation allowed students to Commission’s Esther Goldman Education better understand Cohen’s journey during award-winning teacher for whom Cohen the Holocaust, making them appreciate has been a longtime guest speaker, came and respect her and other survivors even up with the idea and worked with his stu- more. Cohen answered questions from the dents to plan a full day of programming in students and adults before two more stu- Ellie Brooke, Paula Alperin, Mickey Held, Nancy Rosenberg, Dana Cohen, Ronnie Yancey, Craig Blackman, Rena Myers, Elena Baum, Dale Jacobs, Sandra Leon, Michael Cohen and Michelle Waterman. her honor. dent performances, one vocal and one on Walking into the school, no one could violin, closed the miss the banner proclaiming Indian presentation. River’s Holocaust Memorial day. Though The day con- the school’s marqee outside welcomed her cluded with the by name, Cohen arrived at Indian River dedication of a expecting to take part in the Commission’s pink crepe myr- What We Carry program, which tells her tle sapling planted survival story. Coehn has been coming at the school in with this program for Blackman’s students Cohen’s honor. for the last three years. When Blackman This is not the first and his students approached her in the tree Blackman has hallway with a single rose and a round of planted, however. applause, she didn’t quite know what to Several years ago he make of all the attention. planted a Bradford After the surprise settled in, Cohen, Pear tree in honor surrounded by many of her friends from of David Katz, of the Holocaust Commission, was ushered blessed memory, The Indian River High School Orchestra performs a special piece for Dana Cohen. to the orchestra room, where she enjoyed to thank him for a piece the school orchestra had learned his long service just for her. Next, in front of an exhibition to Indian River’s of six remarkable portraits and paintings, students. As with student artists explained to Cohen how that tree, a plaque Dana Cohen is greeted by Craig Blackman. they created their artwork representing mounted on a near- her and her journey from the Holocaust to by school wall, today. One student presented Cohen with a will remind cur- beautiful pencil sketch of two foxes, based rent students of the on their ability to escape, and on Cohen’s wonderful day they love of animals. She wanted to give Cohen spent with Dana something to keep to remember the day. Cohen, and encour- In the auditorium, students dedicat- age future students ed additional performances, including to learn the lessons piano, ballet and poetry, to her. Between of the Holocaust. The school’s marquee honors Holocaust Commission speakers. each portion of the program, Cohen and For all involved, Commission members were invited to enjoy spending “Dana cookies and brownies and other treats Cohen Day” at baked by students, adding another level Indian River High School with such a of sweetness to the heartfelt effort made thoughtful group of students was truly a to honor Cohen and all those affected by privilege. Craig Blackman presents Dana Cohen with a special gift, commemorating the day.

28 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org Book Reviews

Delicious and beautiful of hope that gluten-free need not be bland, bow their heads before God. It is not clear The story of Sally Levin’s murder, some- Gluten Free Around the World boring or burdensome to prepare. whether Handler’s grandmother’s distant what steeped in mystery, is illustrative of the Aviva Kanoff, 2014 and distracted behavior was the result of fact that deeply buried family secrets can 237 pp, $29.99 A personal story her own mental illness or her anguish at have family consequences for generations. The Secrets They Kept losing a child in such a bizarre manner, but —Hal Sacks is a retired Jewish communal luten Free is big busi- The True Story of a Mercy Killing that Sally’s siblings henceforth lacked a certain worker who has reviewed books for Jewish Gness these days. Shocked a Town and Shamed a Family happiness and did not experience any joy News for more than 30 years. I have eaten some real- Suzanne Handler in familial interaction. ly nasty food, the only iLane Press, 2013 merit of which was that it 140 pages, $14.95 Hal Sacks was gluten free. In some measure, it is a matter of ollowing her retirement from a pro- expectation. If you eat a corn tortilla, Ffessional career as a mental health made of corn meal, it tastes like every corn educator, Susan Handler changed her focus tortilla you have ever eaten. Ditto quinoa; to more personal issues. The Secrets They ditto rice noodles. But when your taste Kept documents the shocking mercy killing buds are expecting a chocolate chip cookie of the author’s Aunt Sally, then a teenager, that bears a resemblance to a Toll House by the girl’s own father, who then attempt- Cookie and you get a gluten free or sugar ed, unsuccessfully, to end his own life. free look alike, your taste buds cringe with On the morning of August 16, 1937 disappointment. Sam Levin, an immigrant from the Pale Regardless, sufferers from Celiac disease of Settlement, a naturalized citizen of the have no choice, and those with lesser forms United States, and a modestly success- of wheat and/or gluten intolerance or the ful businessman in Cheyenne, Wyoming, multitude of digestive issues that have been granted his beloved Schizophrenic child’s shown to benefit from less dependence on plea, that he end her life and thus keep her gluten, have spurred a remarkable demand from being institutionalized as an insane for Gluten Free. That there are faddists who person. His granddaughter, author Handler, Join Our Team! adopt any new diet be it Pritikin, Atkins, let into the family secret decades later, is South Beach, Raw Foods, Oldways or Paleo able to reconstruct the killing itself, not with is a given, and there are faddists who have any real assistance from her family, but prin- ADVERTISING latched on to Gluten Free as the answer to cipally from contemporary sources. ACCOUNT all their gustatory needs, required or not. The circumstances themselves befit the EXECUTIVE For all of the above, then, Gluten Free recent vogue for non-fiction murder mys- Position Available Around the World offers proven recipes (beau- teries such as Erik Larson’s Thunderstruck tifully illustrated)—although your reviewer and Paul French’s Murder in Peking. Here, • Sales experience a must confesses he was somewhat confused by the however, the reader will come to under- • Media sales, a plus many delicious looking recipes with no glu- stand the Levin tragedy in the contexts of • Flexible hours ten containing ingredients in the first place, mental health conditions then and now • Great earning potential thus requiring no substitution. Examples and from the standpoint of the corrosive would be “4 bean and kale super stew” (ah effects of family shame and denial. kale—the new staff of life), “moroccan mint Handler’s grandfather, convicted of beet salad,” “bocaditos de papa,” and “maple manslaughter and surprisingly placed on ginger roasted sweet potatoes.” probation rather than facing incarceration, If you are an ambitious, high-energy, self-starter with There are recipes with a lengthy list of abruptly sold his business and moved the good people skills, this might be the job for you! ingredients where the only accommodation family to California. There was no way they might be the substitution of gluten free for could bear the shame and continue to face regular soy sauce. Clearly, recipes from their neighbors. The surviving children of India, Thailand, Africa and the Middle Sam Levin evidently created an unwritten East, where meat is sparingly used, offer pact never to mention Sally to their own Interested? Contact Taffy Hunter, Human Resources director, at 757-965-6117, a lot for the Gluten Free cook, depending children in an effort to erase their sister’s [email protected] or submit resume to greatly on rice and non-wheat grains. existence from their family’s history. The Jewish News Kanoff has put together a collection of entire family, formerly observant Jews, Attention: Human Resources 5000 Corporate Woods Drive recipes that offer the gluten free kitchen a apparently turned away from their faith, as Virginia Beach, 23462 special ingredient, hope. It offers a measure if they no longer felt themselves worthy to

jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 29 jcc it’s a wrap

JCC Seniors Club and beyond Temple Israel by Sherry Lieberman scores with Derby he JCC Seniors Club moved to the TSandler Family Campus in 2004. Since the move, the club has continued to gather, as well as grow and progress. In 1977, a small group of men who met regularly at the Jewish Community Center’s swimming pool decided to form a club to be affiliated with the JCC. The club was originally named the YES Club, Active JCC seniors playing Bunco. for “Young Energetic Seniors.” When the YES Club was formed, there was also a club month at the JCC at 12 pm with a lunch for senior adults at the JCC known as the option of $5 per person. After lunch, a brief Golden Age Club. The YES Club was estab- meeting takes place followed by entertain- Barry and Lois Einhorn. lished because the founding fathers wanted ment or a terrific speaker. a club that would provide friendship, as The Club also plans several social activ- well as service to the Jewish Community ities throughout the year such as attending Center and to the entire Jewish community. local shows followed by lunch or dinner, In January 2000, the YES Club merged day tours, casino trips and other fun adven- with the Young at Heart Club (previously tures. The Club is always open to new ideas the Golden Age Club) to become the JCC or suggestions. Seniors Club. The Club begins 2015 with new and While the current JCC Seniors Club eager officers: President, Patsi Walton; Vice boasts a strong membership, it is always President/Publicity, Berniece Greenberg; ready to accept new members and make Treasurer, Hank Redman; Financial Cheryl Dronzek receives her prize new friendships. Members of the JCC Secretary/Membership, Chester Witham; from MC Danny Rubin. Seniors Club must be 55 plus years old Recording Secretary, Ann Kolantis; and be or become a member of the Simon Corresponding Secretary, Pat Sheets. he Second Annual Temple Israel Derby Family JCC in any of the membership cat- The next meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 18 Twas run at “Brody Downs” to an excit- egories. at 12 pm at the JCC. ed crowd on Saturday, Jan. 10. Dues for the JCC Seniors Club (for JCC If interested in joining The JCC Seniors Six races…10 thoroughbreds in each members only) are $15 per year. The Club Club, or for additional information, call race...the competition was fierce! “Galloping meets on the third Wednesday of each Chester Witham, 965-4450. Glue” in the fourth race practically sailed to the Winner’s Circle; owner Mark Solberg attributed it to a steady diet of gourmet JCC Book Club hay and carrots. In the fifth race, horse #3 n the third Monday of each month at • May, Henna House: A Novel had to be scratched due to a broken leg, O1:30 pm, the JCC Book Club meets in by Nomi Eve but owners Lois and Barry Einhorn were the Klezmer Room at the Simon Family JCC. • June, Pictures of the Past quick to sub in “Jeff Gordon” for a stun- Now in its eighth year, the Book Club by Deby Eisenberg ning victory. The final race was a real nail has read and discussed 82 books and • July, Big Little Lies biter, coming down to a photo finish; Doug three short stories. The discussions are by Liane Moriarty Moses was practically speechless when he lively, informative and thought-provoking. Books for August through December collected his grand prize from returning Anyone interested in reading and discuss- will be chosen in March. The next Book master of ceremonies Danny Rubin. ing the group’s chosen books, is welcome Club meeting is Monday, Feb. 16. Derby participants really got into the to join. The club continues to facilitate a satel- spirit with a lively hat competition, judged The books for February through July, are: lite Book Club at Beth Sholom Terrace. The by last year’s winners Jody Mazur and Bob • February, All the Light We Cannot See book discussions follow the list from JCC Seltzer. After a parade around the race by Anthony Doerr Book Club. Harriett Eluto has lead many of track, the judges closeted themselves for • March, Peony: A Novel of China these discussions. heavy deliberations. In the end, Cheryl by Pearl Buck For more information, contact Sherry Dronzek and Jonathan Longman won top • April, The Boston Girl Lieberman, 321-2309 or slieberman@ honors for their creative efforts. But every- by Anita Diamant simonfamilyjcc.org. one was a winner at the derby.

30 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org first person first person

One more year (a.k.a. Our Hebrew Academy story) Local JNF Fellow preparing for by Benita Watts and learning about Israel, Spring Break in Israel were daily lessons incorpo- aving grown up in rated into his education… by Julia Laibstain As a participant HNorth , I but it was so much more of JNF’s Spring was not a great support- than an education. It was a ewish National Fund’s mission statement Break Trip, er of non-secular schools. foundation for life that also Jdeclares that JNF is the caretaker of the it will be my I believed that in order to built character, values and land of Israel, on behalf of its owners— honor and priv- Julia Laibstain plants fit in and succeed in the leadership. Jewish people everywhere. Well known ilege, along with a tree in Israel. “real world” you should be “What do you think for its blue tzedakah boxes, more than a many other col- exposed to a diverse envi- about keeping him at century ago, JNF began fundraising for the lege students, to be two of the hands that ronment like the one in Danial Watts was an Honorable HAT?” I asked my husband. development and creation of the Jewish put that money into action. JNF has many which I was educated—one Mention winner in both his fourth and “You know my feelings,” he land. It has planted more than 250 million incredible organizations that they work fifth grade years at Hebrew Academy. where I grew up (quietly) as told me. “I don’t want to trees in Israel, in addition to many other with in different regions of Israel to keep one in the minority. Oh, how wrong I was! take him out.” He was brought up Catholic contributions. the land thriving and growing. I will be I didn’t realize until I had my son, that the and attended Catholic schools until he I serve as the Indiana University working in southern Israel with all of my foundations that are laid in the early years was 14, so he understood the importance Bloomington JNF Campus Fellow. JNF raised funds going to Blueprint Negev, are what give you the confidence and identi- and true benefits of a religious education. designed the Fellow program to bring JNF JNF’s major initiative to revitalize Israel’s ty to succeed wherever life takes you. Nonetheless, I was still amazed at this sup- initiatives to college campuses. Currently, southern region through environmental port, and that was enough for me to realize 18 universities have JNF Campus Fellows. sustainability, agricultural development, Enter marriage and parenthood. that we needed to allow our son to experi- The three concrete requirements that education and so much more. Blueprint Once my son, Danial, was ready to start ence more of what HAT could offer. each Campus Fellow must complete are: Negev’s most up and coming project is preschool, my neighbor suggested we con- • Plan an Israel positivity program that the Be’er Sheva River Park, where JNF is sider the Strelitz Early Childhood Center. One more year. sheds a positive light on the incredible putting efforts toward creating a city center Little did I know how that conversation Words do not adequately express what innovations Israel contributes to the for Be’er Sheva, “Capital of the Negev,” to would completely change my life. A few young students get out of their HAT edu- world, attract more residents and rebirth the city weeks later, we toured the preschool. As we cation, even at first grade. You have to • Plan a Tu B’shvat program—the holi- as a desirable place to live. drove away, totally in awe of the wonderful experience it for yourself to understand. day which celebrates trees, and I am overwhelmed with excitement facility, my husband said to me, “You know, At six years old, Danial was learning • Recruit and fundraise for JNF’s 2015 about experiencing Israel in a new light and we won’t ever want to take him away from basic Hebrew vocabulary, speaking fluent Alternative Spring Break Trip to Israel. to have this opportunity to make a differ- here.” Never a truer word spoken! Hebrew and, at the same time, getting the ence, thanks to JNF. If interested, use the We blinked and Danial’s preschool years best education and excelling in all the core Jewish National Fund’s Alternative Spring link below to donate to Blueprint Negev. flew by. It came time to think about kin- subjects. Meanwhile, the foundation our Break Trip to Israel is unique. A completely I look forward to keeping the commu- dergarten and the same friend asked me son was receiving at HAT extended to our free trip for college students—there is even nity updated about the exciting work I will whether we were going to keep Danial at entire family, bringing us even closer, as we a trip for young professionals—all that is undertake in March. Hebrew Academy of Tidewater. I told her celebrated all the holidays together. required is to meet a fundraising goal for To learn more, go to http:// we decided to stay for kindergarten, but that Last year our son graduated from JNF. The money goes directly to the stu- support.jnf.org/site/TR/Events/ would be it for us. Hebrew Academy. Yes, we stayed until the dents’ chosen projects. ecurePages?px=4414508&pg=personal&- “Think about staying for first grade, end! Truth be told, a few months into first Many people donate to JNF each year. fr_id=1920. too,” she encouraged, sharing with me her grade, we knew we were there to stay. own daughters’ experiences there. Honestly, So, was our son prepared for the “real I didn’t think this was for us, but I didn’t world?” Well, he was offered places at more Let’s Try Again dismiss the idea completely. than one private school and also a place What a great response to our Monday, Jan. 19 film, An American Tail. However, the in the International Baccalaureate Middle Simon Family JCC apologizes for the poor accommodations and technical issues that One more year. Years Program at Plaza Middle School, took place that morning. Kindergarten flew by and re-enrollment which is the one he accepted. Does he fit in? As our way of saying “We Are Sorry,” we have created a make-up day free to the time arrived. Decision time. Moment of Absolutely! In fact, he thrives with so much community: truth. How could I deny my son the more confidence than I ever did because Monday, February 16 opportunity to learn about his heritage we gave him the opportunity to discover President’s Day Family Fun Day in such an amazing environment? In fact, where he came from, who he is and where 9–10 am—Family Swim and Pool Games he wasn’t just learning about it, he was he is going. In an environment where he is 9 am–10 am—PJ Library Activity living it. When I went to religious school, even more of a minority than I was, he is so 10:30 am—Family Movie The Prince of Egypt it was three hours of learning over the proud and sure of himself…that is because with snacks in the Fleder Multipurpose Room at the Simon Family JCC weekend. For Danial, learning about his we followed our hearts and stayed for “one 12:15–2 pm—Jump Castle in the Gym heritage, learning the Hebrew language more year.” Family Friendly Lunch Specials at the Cardo Café.

jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 31 what’s happening

Two area dance companies to perform at JCC Date With the State—Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day Sunday, Feb. 22, 2:30 pm Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6:30 pm—Briefing session “We are very excited about performing for Wednesday, Feb. 4, 8:45 am–6 pm—trip to Richmond children at the Simon Family JCC,” says oin UJFT’s Community Relations The cost is $36, which includes a kosher Erin Geary of Todd Rosenlieb Dance. JCouncil for their annual Date with the lunch and helps defray the cost of trans- Several dancers from the Virginia State. portation. Checks made out to the United Ballet Theatre and Todd Rosenlieb Dance The Tidewater delegation will travel Jewish Federation of Tidewater will reserve will perform at the JCC as part of the together via bus to and from Richmond, a space (mail to UJFT 5000 Corporate JCC’s Children’s Cultural Arts series. leaving from the Simon Family JCC. Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, The performance will begin with a At the State Capitol, lunch will take ATT: CRC DWTS). classical ballet demonstration explaining place with other Virginia Jewish commu- For more information, e-mail Robin the history of ballet technique and how nal lobbyists. The Governor, Lieutenant Mancoll, CRC director, at rmancoll@ujft. ballet is used to tell a story with movement Governor and Attorney General have org or call 965-6120. To RSVP (required) and music. Children and their families been invited, and they usually attend and by Jan. 28, visit www.JewishVa.org/ will understand the story being told by address the issues important to this com- CRCDateWiththeState. expression, movement, body language munity. Following lunch, the delegation and musical phrasing. Modern dance will will divide up to visit Tidewaters’ State also be highlighted. After the performance, the children will Senators and Delegates. have an opportunity to get up and move with the dancers. Tickets cost: Children (ages 10 and under) $6 or $4 for JCC members; Adults $8 or $6 for JCC members; Family (2 adults, B’nai Israel’s Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Hanoch Teller plus children) $27 or $22 for JCC members. Friday, Feb. 13–Saturday, Feb. 14 Call 321-2338 to purchase tickets and for more information. nternationally-acclaimed as one of Hey, Taxi, A Midrash Itoday’s most original and inspiring moti- and a Maaseh, Too vational speakers, Rabbi Hanoch Teller will Beautiful, etc., Teller Bakers and crafters needed for community operation be B’nai Israel Congregation’s Scholar-in- has had a major Operation Hamantaschen Residence next month. influence on the A storyteller-extraordinaire, Rabbi contemporary-Jew- Sunday, Feb. 15 Teller has been dubbed a “globe-trotting ish world. Because Two free-flowing shifts: 9 am–Noon or Noon–3 pm modern-day maggid.” He has enthralled of the enduring and edical degrees and cards cheer and encour- audiences on five continents, in more than universal appeal of Rabbi Hanoch Teller. Muniforms aren’t age them and are greatly 40 U.S. states and 24 countries, delivering his heartwarming stories, historical nar- required to perform this appreciated. a message imbued with joy and drama, ratives and absorbing biographies, none of operation – just a will- All materials will be laughter and pathos. Teller’s books have gone out of print. ingness to help bake and provided and quality His electrifying presentations on a vast Rabbi Joseph Telushkin says, “Rabbi pack holiday cookies control assistants (tast- range of topics—sometimes hilarious, Hanoch Teller has an extraordinary ability for Jewish U.S. troops ers) are welcome! always stirring, meaningful and pragmat- to both teach and touch, to convey in an and members of the Operation ic—are underwritten by scholarship and accessible manner deep teachings of the Tidewater community. Hamantaschen is pre- more than three decades as a hands- Torah and Talmud, and to open up hearts Hamantaschen—the sented by the Young on educator. U.S. Senator Arlen Spector, and listeners to bringing these teachings traditional triangu- Adult Division of proclaimed him “probably the most sophis- into their lives. Teller’s remarkable writ- lar-shaped sweets eaten the United Jewish ticated storyteller of our time.” ing can bring a person to tears and, more during the holiday of Federation of Tidewater Alternately referred to as “Shakespeare importantly, to action.” —will be sent and the Simon Family of the world” and “King of the B’nai Israel invites the community to to troops identified by JCC Department of Storytellers,” Teller has fostered the emer- hear Rabbi Teller on Friday night at the families, friends and Children and Families. gence of inspirational short story as a genre Oneg Shabbos, Saturday morning during military staff, and will also be shared with Free and open to the community, for the Jewish-religious audience. morning services, and Saturday night at a Jewish Family Service of Tidewater for the Operation Hamantaschen takes place at The critically acclaimed, prize-winning gala reception. Call B’nai Israel at 627-7358 JFS kosher food pantry, Meals on Wheels the Simon Family JCC. All ages are wel- author of 28 titles, several of which are for reservations or more information. recipients and clients. come to participate and babysitting will be ongoing best sellers published in multiple In addition to the cookies, Operation available. languages, including Courtrooms of the Mind, Hamantaschen participants can create To sign up for a shift, or for more infor- thank you cards to send to U.S. military mation, visit JewishVA.org/operation, email and Israeli troops. The troops say these [email protected], or call 757-965-6138.

32 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org what’s happening presents

The Passion in a Jewish Key? RENÉE FLEMING, soprano The ethics of care from Bach to David Lang concert and discussion Sunday, Feb. 8, 2:30 OLGA KERN, piano 3:30 pm–discussion at Ohef Sholom Temple 4 pm–Virginia Chorale concert at Sacred Heart Catholic Church rior to the Virginia together had a huge “She came. She sang. She conquered.” PChorale’s performance of effect on how I view — NY Daily News David Lang’s Pulitzer Prize the world and what winning composition, The I want my music to Little Match Girl Passion, Jim accomplish.” Weaver, early music spe- A co-founder cialist, will discuss the and former direc- musical journey from tor of the College Jim Weaver. J.S. Bach’s masterwork of William & The St. Matthew Passion Mary’s Early Music Ensemble, Weaver has to Lang’s The Little Match conducted vocal and instrumental ensem- Girl Passion. The discus- ble performances featured at the Longy sion will take place at International Baroque Institute, the Early Ohef Sholom Temple and Music Athenaeum at Rutgers University, the is presented by the temple’s San Francisco Early Music Society Summer Adult Education commit- Workshops, as well as at numerous choral tee and Mavens & workshops and master classes around the Charles Woodward, Virginia Chorale Mensches. country. He is currently on the faculty of the artistic director. A Los Angeles University of Richmond and Christopher native, Lang, 58, has lived in New York for Newport University, and music director of more than 30 years. Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, where Lang’s mother, who is from Germany, he has served for 26 years. lost everything in the Holocaust, including A group ticket price for the concert is many relatives. His father was a Lithuanian $10 for discussion participants through immigrant who grew up in poverty. In an Sunday, Feb. 1. After Feb. 1, the cost is $25. interview for the Jewish Journal in 2011, RSVP by Sunday, Feb. 1, to Linda Peck, Lang said, “I wouldn’t go so far as to say [email protected] or 757-625-4295. these are Jewish values that I’m espousing, For more information on the concert, go but because I am Jewish and because of the to www.vachorale.org/the-little-match-girl- experience of Jews in the 20th century, the passion.html. peculiar history that brought my parents

The JCC Yiddish Club Thursday, Jan. 29, 12:30 pm, Simon Family JCC

he JCC Yiddish Club’s next program will be discussions on The Jewish Daily TForward, as well as on Yiddish literature. FEBRUARY 17 Future meetings will consist of speakers, learning and remembering. It is not 7:30 PM HARRISON OPERA HOUSE necessary to speak or understand Yiddish to attend. Almost everyone will discover NORFOLK that they know more than they think and will leave knowing even more. This is a TICKETS START AT $35 fun, fun group and everyone is welcome to attend. “Kvetch”-complain, “Nosh”-eat a bit, “oy veh”-oh my gosh. For more information, contact Sherry Lieberman, 321-2309 or slieberman@ Media Sponsor simonfamilyjcc.org. M-F 10AM-5PM SPRING 2015 SPRING

jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 33 Camp JCC is a wonderful place to work! calendar SUMMER 2015 February 1, Sunday Camp JCC: June 22 - August 14 • Post Camp: August 17 - September 4 Brith Sholom’s Annual Super Bowl Party at Beth Sholom Village. The menu includes NOW HIRING…..STAFF FOR THE beef barbecue and buns, chicken wings, coleslaw, chips, chocolate chip cookies, sugar free brownies and drinks. 5:30 pm. The cost is $7.50 for members and $15 for guests. Call Gail for FOLLOWING POSITIONS reservations at 461-1150. Must be received by Jan. 27. • Counselors (High School Graduates; minimum requirement) • Junior Counselors (H S rising Junior; minimum requirement) February 4, Wednesday Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater travels to • Specialists (Activities: Sports, Music, etc.) Richmond for the annual Jewish Advocacy Day. 8:45 am–6 pm; leaving from the Sandler • Special Needs Supervisor Family Campus. $36 includes kosher lunch and helps defray transportation. For more infor- • Special Needs Assistants mation about how to join this year’s Date with the State delegation, or to RSVP (required) • Nurse by Wednesday, Jan. 28 visit www.JewishVa.org/CRCDateWiththeState. An Insiders’ Briefing, Camp JCC provides children with a rich and unique day camp providing all attendees with detailed talking points on the issues and lobbying tips, takes experience. A dynamic program allows every child to explore their place on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 pm at the Sandler Family Campus. See page 32. own interests and try new activities within a safe camp atmosphere. Engaging and supportive staff encourages campers to have fun, February 13, Friday—February 14 Satuday develop skills, and form meaningful relationships. All staff members are hired for B’nai Israel Congregation’s Scholar-in-Residence and HaKaros HaTov weekend with their ability to facilitate memorable experiences for our campers. Camp personnel Rabbi Hanoch Teller. The Saturday evening Malava Malka Gala Reception will honor members have background checks and participate in an extensive orientation program. that have serviced the shul for over 25 years. Contact B’nai Israel at 627-7358. See page 32. Applications available at: www.simonfamilyjcc.org February 15, Sunday Operation Hamantaschen. Two shifts: 9 am–noon or noon–3 pm. Free and open to the For more information, contact: community. At the Simon Family JCC. Do a mitzvah—or a baker’s dozen! Bakers of all ages Erika Eskanazi, Children, Family and Camp Assistant Director (757) 321-2342 are needed to help make cookies to send to Jewish U.S. troops for Purim, and to donate to Taffy Hunter, Human Resource Director (757) 965-6117 Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. Volunteers are also needed to decorate and pack boxes. Submit completed application to: More of an artist than a baker? Create handmade notes of thanks that will be sent to support Simon Family JCC U.S. and IDF troops. All materials provided. Babysitting available. Sign up: www.JewishVA. Attention: Human Resources org/OperationH or call 757-965-6138. 5000 Corporate Woods Drive Virginia Beach, 23462 February 21, Saturday Hoedown Havdallah at the Simon Family JCC. Celebrate the end of Shabbat with friends Don’t wait! Applications accepted TODAY! and family. Visit with animals, pet and play with creatures great and small, learn some square dancing moves and have dinner and Havdallah. 6-7:30 pm $10 adults; $6 children. Call 321-2338.

February 22, Sunday Eric Kline The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center will present the film,Me and the Colonel, Business starring Danny Kaye. The movie is a departure from Kaye’s usual comedic slapstick. His skill, Development however, gives it gentle humor and moving sympathy. A discussion will follow the movie with Danny Kline Rabbi Arthur Steinberg and Prof. Andrew Quicke. Popcorn and water will be served. 2 pm. President A $5 donation is recommended. 607 Effingham St. in Portsmouth. 391-9266 or www.jewishmuseumportsmouth.org. Andy Kline CEO February 26, Thursday Celebrate Israel series. Simon Family JCC welcomes Gidi Grinstein, president and founder of Israel’s Reut Institute. Grinstein will discuss his groundbreaking book, Flexigidity. In his talk, he will explore how the Jews have utilized Flexigidity to adapt and stay relevant. He will also assess the future in light of trends that are pulling Jewish communities apart. Free and open to the community. 7 pm. Simon Family JCC. 757-321-2338.

MARCH 7, SATURDAY Purimpalooza. 8 pm, ages 21 and up. $20 early bird tickets; $25 at the door, at the Sandler Family Campus. Join hundreds of young Jewish adults and friends for the Young Adult Division of the UJFT’s 2015 Purim costume carnivale—a party like no other. Live music, costume con- test, open bar, desserts and many, many photo ops. Get tickets at visit www.JewishVA.org/ Purimpalooza or call 757-965-6138. More information at www.fb.com/YAD.UJFT. All Services. All Local. March 15, Sunday The Community Relations Council and area synagogues, Jewish agencies, organizations and partners conclude the 4th annual Israel Today forum with Lt. Col. Dr. Ofer Merin, Chief, Payroll, Taxes and W-2s • Web Based Time and Attendance IDF Field Hospitals, in charge of setting up the hospitals in instances of natural disaster. His NCS Background Checks • Employee Loans reserve force unit was part of the Israeli delegation that gave aid to the victims of the earth- Pay As You Go Workers Comp Insurance • HR Support Center quake in Haiti, arriving first on the scene. Merin was also first on the scene in Japan after the Employee Self Service Online • Merchant Services • VISA Debit Payday Cards tsunami that followed the massive earthquake on March 11, 2011, and in the Philippines after the Typhoon in 2013. 7:30pm at the Sandler Family Campus. RSVP by March 12 to jewishva. org/CRCIsraelToday#Merin, [email protected], or 965-6107.

Send submissions for calendar to [email protected]. Be sure to note “calendar” in the subject. Contact us today at 757-523-0605 Include date, event name, sponsor, address, time, cost and phone. or www.paydaypayroll.com

34 PD-ad-JewishNews-QtrColor-110614.indd| Jewish News | January 26, 2015 1 | jewishnewsva.org 11/6/14 7:39 PM Mazel Tov to Sundance’s Jewish fare: a preview Achievement in Relay for Life for 17 years. This month, he by Anthony Weiss stars Vincent Cassel as the leader of a Norman David Soroko, who was honored will begin his 18th year walking for the cure. cultish commune who is seeking to pro- by the American Cancer Society for being Norman is the son of Hymie and Freda LOS ANGELES (JTA)—Although it’s now tect and isolate his charges from a hostile listed in the top five Individual Fund Soroko, of blessed memory. well entrenched in the Hollywood ecosys- world. Kleiman co-wrote the movie with Raisers for the State of Virginia for raising Mazel Tov submissions should be emailed tem, the Sundance Film Festival remains a Sarah Cyngler, the costume and production money for the cure. to [email protected] with Mazel Tov in the subject venue for some of the film industry’s more designer from Deeper Than Yesterday. Norman has raised a total of $165,000 line. Achievements, B’nai Mitzvot, births, engage- ments and weddings are appropriate simchas to offbeat voices and still largely unknown towards research for the cure for cancer announce. Photos must be at least 300k. Include a talent—and a place for boldfaced names to I Smile Back in the past nine years. He has participated daytime phone for questions. There is no fee. redefine themselves. Sarah Silverman Jewish subjects and artists again will is a goddess in the figure prominently in this year’s festival, world of standup which runs through Feb. 1 in Park City, comedy, but she’s never really found her Utah. Here are the films to look for: footing in the movies. That may change with her lead role in I Smile Back, a domes- Censored Voices tic drama about a self-destructive suburban Just after the Six- housewife who goes off her meds and is Day War in 1967, sucked into a destructive downward spiral Amos Oz and fellow of drinking and drugs. Silverman has pub- kibbutzniks record- licly spoken about her own struggles with  ed interviews with returning soldiers about depression, and it will be interesting to see their experiences during the fighting. The if she can channel her personal history into  interviews were largely censored by the a potentially career-changing performance. Israeli military. In the nearly half-cen- The movie is adapted from the novel tury since, Oz became one of the Jewish by Amy Koppelman, who co-wrote the  state’s most renowned authors of fiction screenplay, and is directed by Adam Salky. and nonfiction, as well as a prominent  opponent of Israel’s presence in the West Princess  Bank and Gaza Strip. In Censored Voices, The first full- Israeli director Mor Loushy revisits the now length feature by  For further information, declassified recordings and the lingering Israeli filmmaker please contact after effects of war. Tali Shalom Ezer, Debra Grablowsky Young Princess presents its own vision of domestic  City of Gold strife. The drama delves into a dark subject  525 S.  Blvd., Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan matter: the abusive relationship between a   Suite 200 Gold is an icon in Los Angeles: His rec- 12-year-old girl and her stepfather. Shalom   Virginia Beach, VA 23452 Tel. (757) 518-3254 ommendations are treated with reverence Ezer, 36, previously ventured into unset-   E-mail: by foodies, and his reviews can change an tling territory with the short film Surrogate, [email protected] obscure noodle shop or greasy spoon into about a survivor of child abuse who sought a culinary hotspot. City of Gold, directed by sex therapy with a professional sex part-  Laura Gabbert, follows Gold’s perambula- ner, and the 2005 documentary Life at tions through the city’s large and diverse Abarbanel, about life in a mental hospital. food scene, devoting equal care to rickety His dogged advocacy helped force the issue is a high school dance. Shiva previously food trucks and pricey haute cuisine. As Larry Kramer In Love and Anger onto the national agenda and keep it there. directed the documentaries Bombay Eunuch befits a man who by his own account Less than a year after the Emmy Award- (2001) and Stagedoor (2006). Her maternal received much of his Jewish and culinary winning HBO movie adaptation of Larry How To Dance in Ohio grandfather, Jules Stein, founded the enter- training at the city’s delis, Gold is as hei- Kramer’s The Normal Heart thrust the D o c u m e n t a r i a n tainment behemoth MCA. mische as his palate is ruthlessly discerning. 79-year-old playwright and activist back Alexandra Shiva into the spotlight, the new documentary examines a standard Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Partisan Larry Kramer In Love and Anger chronicles American coming-of-age ritual, the junior (A Tidewater connection) Australian Jewish filmmaker Ariel Kleiman, the life and career of this controversial and prom, through the unexpected lens of Written by Jesse Andrews, based on his 29, presents his debut feature in his return to unbending figure. Kramer was one of the autism in How to Dance in Ohio. Shiva’s 2013 novel of the same title, the film’s Sundance, where his 2011 short Deeper Than loudest and most uncompromising of the documentary follows a psychologist and storyline is about a teenage filmmaker Yesterday won a Jury Prize and his script gay activists to emerge in the 1980s to pub- a group of autistic teens as they discuss who befriends a classmate with cancer. for “Partisan” won the festival’s Mahindra licize and combat the AIDS crisis, which and learn the basics of social interaction Andrews is the nephew of Tidewater’s Drs. Global Filmmaking Award in 2012. Partisan he has often referred to as “a holocaust.” in preparation for the social gauntlet that Alice and Eric Werner.

jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 35 obituaries

Rose Mary Frost Brown drive. Lena was a generous and loving Bette Lombart Jimmy Rockett, as well as her Bingo crew. Virginia Beach—Rose Mary Frost woman who will be missed by all, espe- Norfolk—Bette Lombart passed away Bette is survived by her children, Brown, 81, a native of Charleston, S.C., cially those who know her by that famous peacefully Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015 sur- Kenneth and Barbara, Kathy and Jerry passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015. “paisley” smile. rounded by her beloved family. Kantor and Rick and Karen. She is espe- She was born Sunday, May 14, 1933, in Graveside services were held at Bette was born in New York on Jan. 25, cially proud of her grandchildren, Jill and Norfolk, Va., the seventh and youngest child Woodlawn Memorial Garden with Rabbi 1923 to Nat and Cis Newman. Brian Wainger, Ross and Robin Kantor, of Mary Becker Frost and Isadore Frost. Rosalyn Mandelberg officiating. Memorial Raised in Brooklyn and then in New Eric, Scott and Lauren Lombart and Rose was a lifelong volunteer, with donations may be made to the Rose and York City, Bette and her brother Jerry were her great grandchildren, Julia, Erin and innovative, creative and entertaining fund- Irwin Berger Fund for Cancer Research very close. Jerry was a pioneer of bebop Caroline Wainger and Joey Kantor. She will raising ideas. While she had a strong belief through the Tidewater Jewish Foundation. and jazz music and the two of them went be missed by many, but remembered by all. in personal and political responsibility, she H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. to Harlem where Jerry recorded many Her funeral took place at the Norfolk had a gracious spirit in bringing help to famous jazz musicians and big bands such Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, those in need. She was very active in the Leslie Green Legum as Benny Goodman. with burial at Forest Lawn. Republican Women’s Club, the National Norfolk—Leslie Green Legum, 70, Music and dancing were two of Bette’s Council of Jewish Women, the King’s passed away in Norfolk on Sunday, Jan. 18, favorite things throughout her lifetime. Kerry lays wreath Daughters Children’s Hospital Charity, the 2015 after a brief illness. However, family became her most trea- at Paris kosher market Amity Club and in numerous political cam- Leslie was a native of and sured possession. She met her late husband U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry laid a paigns. Rose had a passion for decorating a graduate of Boston University. She made Adolph on a blind date and after six dates wreath at a kosher supermarket near Paris and a strong love of art. her home in Norfolk for 43 years, where they kissed and got engaged. They were where four people were killed on Jan. 9. Her family remembers her as a loving she enjoyed a long career in broadcast pro- married for 67 years and had three won- Kerry, in France to express solidarity wife, mother, grandma and a special friend duction and then in community relations derful children and many close friends. with the republic following the murder to many. Along with her parents, Rose was for Beth Sholom Village while raising her Bette and Adolph loved to fish, travel, of 17 people in terrorist attacks in the preceded in death by her four brothers and family. She was an active member of Ohef and have lavish parties with their friends Paris area, also reportedly “apologized” to two sisters. Sholom Temple, serving the community as and family. Even after living in Norfolk his French counterpart, Foreign Minister She is survived by her loving hus- a board member and co-president of the for 68 years, she still considered New York Laurent Fabius, for not attending a march band of 61 years, Sam C. Brown, Jr. of Temple Sisterhood, among other activities. her home and was a diehard Mets fan. One protesting the attacks. Charleston; son, Samuel C. (Shelly) Brown Leslie was a warm-hearted soul, beloved of her best memories was being at Shea In addition to meetings with French III, of Cordova, Tenn.; daughter, Lisa by all who knew her. She will be remem- Stadium with Adolph when the Amazing leaders, Kerry laid a wreath of red roses, (Vernon) Whitaker, of Charlotte, N.C.; and bered for her strength, her kindness, her Mets won the World Series in 1969. carnations and white lilies at the Hyper five grandchildren. generosity of spirit, her inability to work Bette was very generous. She always Cacher Jewish supermarket. He also shared A graveside service was held at any technology more complicated than fought for the underdog and was active a brief word with Joel Mergui, the head of Huguenin Ave. Cemetery, Charleston, S.C. winding a watch, and her peerless and leg- and supportive in many causes. She was a France’s Rabbinical Council. with Rabbi Terkel officiating. endary desserts. talented knitter, needlepointer, beader, and Kerry’s visit followed intense criticism Leslie is survived by her husband, Jay did the NY Times crossword puzzle in ink of the United States for failing to send a Lena Frost W. Legum of Norfolk; her son Gary Legum in under an hour. high-level representative to the Jan. 11 Virginia Beach—Lena Frost passed of Los Angeles; her son and daughter-in- Her most prized accomplishments were march, which drew more than 1 million away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015. law Kenneth Legum and Laura Kabel of her children, Kenneth, Kathy and Rick, people and dozens of world leaders into She was preceded in death by her hus- Bridgeport, Conn.; her brother and sister-in- who were her life. She was an exception- the streets, including Israeli Prime Minister band, Robert Frost, and her parents, Sarah law, James S. and Susan Green of Rockville, al mother, wife, grandmother and great Benjamin Netanyahu. and Abraham Prude, her stepfather, Lewis Md.; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, grandmother. She was able to live almost The following day, the White House Frank, and her sister, Jeanette Marlis. Sally and Chuck Essreg of Shaker Heights, 92 good years in large part due to her acknowledged that it had erred in sending She is survived by two sons, Allan Frost Ohio; several nieces, nephews, great-niec- dedication to her family and their love and and his wife Helene of Virginia Beach, Va., es and great-nephews; and her grandsons respect for her. She was a wonderful teach- and Stephen Frost of Petersburg, Va. Benjamin, Jacob and Noah, whom she doted er and storyteller and loved a good joke. Two adjacent Lena was beloved by her two grandchil- on and loved more than life itself. Whether she was playing games with her plots available. dren, Lee Belote and her husband Jimmy, A graveside service was held in Forest grandchildren and great grandchildren, and Scott Frost and his wife Nadine. Her Lawn Cemetery, followed by a memorial watching classic movies with them, or pride and joy were her four great grand- service at Ohef Sholom Temple. Rabbi teaching them to appreciate Ella Fitzgerald David’s Garden children, Justin, Garrett, and Ally Belote, Rosalin Mandelberg and Cantor Wally and her all-time favorite, Frank Sinatra, Forest Lawn and Ruby Luna Dare. Schachet-Briskin officiated. she was always positive, upbeat and fun to Cemetery Lena, a strong and independent woman, Donations to Ohef Sholom Temple, the be around. worked until she was 80 years old as a American Cancer Society, or the charity of Bette recently moved to The Terrace bookkeeper for Jacobson and Sons. She the donor’s choice. at Beth Sholom, where the staff is beyond $3,000 FOR BOTH enjoyed hot coffee, playing Majong and H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk compare. She was treated like a and (SAVINGS OF $600) Penny Ante poker, and was the designat- Chapel. Online condolences may be sent her family is grateful to her friends Lolita ed driver for friends who could no longer to the family at hdoliver.com. Felton, Jessie Gouch, Valerie Franks and 757-495-3644

36 | Jewish News | January 26, 2015 | jewishnewsva.org obituaries

only the U.S. ambassador. necessary response. And that is the [rea- Polak was born in Amsterdam to an “I know you know that we share the son] for [our] meeting today, beyond Orthodox Jewish family. In 1943, in his pain and the horror of everything that you friendship,” Hollande said. (JTA) early 30s, he was deported to the Westerbork went through,” Kerry said in a meeting concentration camp before being sent to the with French President Francois Hollande. Jack Polak, survivor who founded Bergen-Belsen camp in northern Germany. “Our hearts are with you.” Anne Frank Center USA He was freed after 14 months by the Russian In an unusual move, Hollande trotted NEW YORK (JTA)—Jack Polak, a Holocaust army and returned to Amsterdam. down the steps of the Elysee Palace to greet survivor who helped found the Anne Frank Polak and the woman who would Kerry, who hugged the French president in Center USA in New York, has died at 102. become his second wife, Ina, released a front of photographers. Polak, who toured the country to talk book based on their correspondence while Kerry told Fabius that he was unable to about his experiences in the Holocaust, in Westerbork and Bergen-Belsen. Steal a come earlier because he was traveling in died Jan. 9. Pencil for Me was later the subject of a doc- India and . The Anne Frank Center USA, which umentary film and an opera. Hollande said the French people “were formed as a consolidation of the Anne In 1951, he and Ina moved to the victims of an exceptional terrorist attack,” Frank Foundation, was founded in 1977. United States, settling in the New York likening the events to the 9/11 attacks Polak served as the center’s president suburb of Eastchester. Polak worked as a on the United States that resulted in the and chairman for many years. In 1992 tax consultant in addition to speaking on deaths of nearly 3,000 people. he was knighted by Queen Beatrix of the his Holocaust experiences. “We must therefore together find the Netherlands for his work.

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jewishnewsva.org | January 26, 2015 | Jewish News | 37 Jewish Family Service’s Chanukah Gift Program 2014

by Debbie Mayer, LCSW, JFS gift cards towards medi- For those who missed helping families cation, food, gas, clothing in need at Chanukah time and would like ewish Family Service’s 22nd Annual and school supplies. to assist JFS help local Jewish families in JChanukah Gift and Financial Assistance These are some of the need year-round, consider: Program was very successful this year. thank-you notes that JFS • Donating food, gas and grocery store JFS reaches out each year to local received: gift cards, or cash Jewish families in financial need with gifts “Thank you for giving • Supporting the JFS Special Needs and gift cards for their children and teens my children a wonderful Group activities and money for those without children. JFS Chanukah holiday. They • Donating items needed by JFS to help received many donations from individuals, loved everything they struggling Jewish families: grocery Hebrew Academy students from the Student Government Association and the families, groups, companies, organizations, received. Thank you to fifth grade class pose with some of the donated gifts from Hebrew Academy bags; toiletries, cosmetics, bath and congregations and schools. Boxes over- the generous donors. This and Strelitz Early Childhood Center. body products; Judaic/Jewish items; flowing with new clothing, winter coats, would not be possible school supplies; baby supplies; sleeping bags, books, games, toys, bicycles, without all of you.” course! Thanks again for your generosity.” paper goods; and cleaning/house- school supplies and Judaic items filled “Thank you to Jewish Family Service “I just wanted to personally thank you hold supplies many of the JFS offices. and their donors for making this year’s for the time and effort you spent in assur- • Purchasing Baskets of Hope center- This annual JFS program provides Chanukah another wonderful celebration ing me a wonderful Hanukkah! I was so pieces direct help to local Jewish families who are of wonder and excitement for my boys… touched and surprised by your generosity • Volunteering struggling financially. Many who seek help Thanks to everyone’s generosity and hard and how much consideration you had by All donations to JFS are tax deductible. For are active members of the local community work in providing gifts…this has been a personally shopping from my two favorite more information about any of these programs, who attend schools and temple with every- much needed source of support for myself stores. Everything fit and I loved it! It was contact Maryann Kettyle, special needs case one else. and my family for the past several years… such a thrill to see so many gifts when manager, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater Although collected during the Chanukah we celebrated this year with latkes, can- I thought there’d be so few this year…. at 757-459-4640 or MKettyle@jfshampton- season, many gifts are put to use all year by dles, jelly donuts, dreidel—and gifts of Sincerely, a grateful teen.” roads.org. these families. Maryann Kettyle, JFS spe- cial needs case manager, says, “We ask for clothes because children and teens need The following made donations of clothing, toys, games, gift pants, shirts, dresses, coats, boots, shoes certificates, food and/or funds during the Chanukah 2014 holiday and socks all year long. We ask for toys and books because they use these items every Individual and Family Donors day, as well. We are very grateful to have the Sandra Advocat, David & Stacey Aikman, Duane & Marlene Aikman, Anonymous, Scott & Lori Alperin, Bethanie Ashe, Jordan Parker-Ashe, Barry & Tamara support of so many wonderful and generous Atlas, Clay Barr, Susan Barr, Gary & Elena Barr Baum, Jon & Susan Becker, Frances Levy Birshtein, Herbert & Elaine Bregman, Wendy Brodsky, Lauren Broudy, donors for this program.” Seth Broudy, Jerry & Sharon Browne, Larry Buckman, Esther Sarah Carroll, Nick & Estie Cohen, Stan & Harriet Dickman, Lynn Feigenbaum, Rhea Foreman, One of the largest annual donor groups Lucille Frank, Martin & Judy Freedman, Alan & Beverly Frieden, Neil & Abby Friedman, Robert & Alicia Friedman, Stephen & Melissa Friedrich, Jan Ganderson, is the students, parents and teachers David & Deena Gilbert, Karen Gilbert, Seth & Gwen Gilbert, Tom & Joanne Glass, Michael & Lori Glasser, Charles & Linda Glickman, Brenda Gordon, Howard from Strelitz Early Childhood Center and & Sandra Gordon, Lewis & Glenda Greenhouse, Michael & Kim Gross, Jonathan & Ellen Harris, Don & Judith Hurwitz, Wendy Jaffe, Denny Jenkins & Leanelle Hebrew Academy of Tidewater. This year, Goldstein, Steve & Laura Kanter, Jerry & Kathy Kantor, Benjamin Katz, Larry Katz, Ron & Alene Kaufman, Debra Mervis Keeling, Bob & Meryl Kessler, Michael they donated several hundred gifts of toys & Joan Kitchen, Jodi & Jay Klebanoff, Austin, Cindy, & Ron Kramer, Edward & Anne Kramer, Jeremy & Rachel Krupnick, David & Jody Laibstain, Judy Laster, and clothing. In fact, the third grade class Sandra Lefcoe (from the Vann Lefcoe Memorial Fund), Jay & Leslie Legum, Lorna Legum, Ashley Lemke, David & Lisa Finkel Leon, Scott & Betty Ann Levin, took the tzedakah money they collected Sherry Lieberman, Richard & Karen Lombart, Joan K. London Trust, Robert & Honey Low, Michael, Jessi, & Max Malkin, Mike & Janet Malone, Matt, Robin, weekly since September 2014 and went to Hannah, & Molly Mancoll, Bernie & Debbie Mayer, Jerry & Deborah Meltsner, Judd Mendelson, Joseph & Ellen Sue Mersel, Bruce & Connie Meyer, Danny & Target on a field trip with their teachers Amy Miller, Andreu, Shaina, & Caleb Moore, Tina Moses, Marc Moss & Stacie Hofheimer Moss, Ken & Diane Muhlendorf, Cookie Orlins, Rhona Peck, Jennifer and parents to select the gift items for two Pepsin & Anthony Palmer, Mark & Karen Pomeranz, Cooper & Jack Poorman, Adam & Sara Rafal, Edwin J. Rafal, ,Jeff & Dana Rosen, Rick & Nancy Rosen, small children from a young family. Sharon Rosenbaum, Scott & Ellen Rosenblum, John & Jane Rosenman, Arthur & Miriam Brunn Ruberg, Marcia Samuels & David Kamer, Edward & Jody Sarfan, JFS also received gifts and/or cash Eric & Susan Schwartzman, Peter & Deb Segaloff, Bob & Lynn Seltzer, Alan & Sallie Shapiro, Helene Shipowitz & Norman Prince, Heliene Siegel, Lawrence donations from many of the area religious & Leslie Siegel, Richard & Phyllis Skolnick, Michael & Jenefer Snyder, Mark Solberg, Adrienne Joy Spigel & Moore Family, Ron & Dorothy Spitalney, Natalie schools, temples and congregations. Steiner, Alan & Linda Troy, Irene Ullman, Patti Wainger, Michelle Walter, Ellen Waranch, Iris Weinstein, Arnold & Beverley Weisman, Diane Gould Werbel, This year, a total of 121 different fam- Stephen Wohgemuth & Holly Puritz, Judy White & John Young, Antreon Woodard, Debra Young, Michael Zitron & Michelle Kim, and Greg & Ashley Zittrain. ilies, consisting of 280 people, benefited at Chanukah due to the kindness of local Organization Donors community donors. Specific “wish list” gifts Beth El Religious School (Mrs. Groves’ 1st Grade Class), Beth El Religious School (Mrs. Leiderman’s 7th Grade Class), Beth Emet Synagogue, Congregation and gift cards were provided to 41 local Emet V’or, Hebrew Academy (K-5th Grade Classes), Hebrew Ladies Charity Society, JCC Seniors Club, JFS Knitting for Others Group, Kempsville Conservative Jewish families with children/teens, con- Synagogue (KBH), Pincus Paul Charitable Trust, Strelitz Early Childhood Center (2 year old, 3 year old, & 4 year old Classes),Temple Beth El (Williamsburg) sisting of 77 different children and teens. Religious School), Temple Emanuel Congregation & Religious School, Temple Israel Religious School, and United Hebrew School. Throughout 2015, these same families will continue to benefit from the donations If we inadvertently left anyone off this list, Jewish Family Service thanks you and apologize in advance. Donations noted as of December 31, 2014 given at Chanukah time as JFS provides

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Stravitz Sculpture & Fine Art Stravitz 30th Street Gallery 1217 Laskin Road 3004 Pacific Avenue Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757)305-9411 (757)961-7509 [email protected] [email protected] www.sculpture-bronze.com

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